Team size: 23

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The pandemic has allowed in-house teams to demonstrate their adaptability, critical thinking skills, and ability to support the business from anywhere in the world. We have established the strategic value we can bring as a support and soundboard for our management teams when they are under pressure or dealing with novel and unforeseen events. For the function of the general counsel, the pandemic has highlighted the far-reaching nature of the role. We have been consulted on such a wide range of topics. We have become enablers and guardians.

Speaking from my experience at BioNTech, the pandemic demonstrated that in-house counsel can perform at the highest level while working remotely and that we can make a positive difference in the successful execution of management decisions and proactively support the changing needs of the business. Working on the development programme was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it was sometimes challenging. In 2020, the volume of contracts we reviewed was three times the volume reviewed in 2018 and 2019, while the in-house team was still small — only five of us for the majority of 2020. To achieve efficient turnover times, we had to adapt our approach to contract reviewing by focusing much more on key risks and optimising the way we collaborate with external counsel, having them function as an extension of the in-house team. Looking back, I am proud of how BioNTech’s legal and IP teams excelled during the pandemic.

How much influence do you, as a general counsel, have on the diversity and inclusion policies of your organisation?

One of my first projects at BioNTech was to reshape the code of conduct, so I got an early opportunity to influence our diversity and inclusion policies. I am a member of the CSR steering board, so I continue to have a role in shaping the policies fostering and safeguarding diversity in our corporate culture.

BioNTech has a diverse workforce, operations across four continents, employees from over sixty countries, and a founding belief that diverse cultures and perspectives enrich teams and contribute to its success. So, I am quite lucky; there are several voices at the company — from the board down — advocating for substantial diversity and inclusion policies in the organisation.