How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organization’s resilience? 

The semiconductor industry is a rapidly evolving landscape that presents many challenges, including technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, intellectual property disputes, regulatory compliance, and talent shortages. As a leading provider of high-tech components and systems across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Swiss Comet Group is not immune to these challenges. Consequently, the Comet legal team will face an increased workload and additional challenges, such as negotiating more complex contracts, managing intellectual property, and ensuring regulatory compliance, particularly regarding US export controls in the semiconductor industry. 

To manage this workload effectively, the Comet in-house legal team must be highly efficient, effective, and collaborate seamlessly with external counsel in different countries. As the company expands into new markets or develops new products, legal issues may become more complex, requiring the team to navigate different legal systems and regulations or deal with sophisticated intellectual property issues as an R&D-driven technology company. To handle these challenges, the legal team may need to develop new expertise and leverage technology to automate tasks and streamline processes. 

The semiconductor industry is expected to experience significant growth due to digitalisation, AI, and electrification. As a result, the legal team at Comet will need to be highly efficient and effective to support the company’s ambitious growth plans. This may involve negotiating better agreements with outside counsel, implementing more efficient processes, or using technology to automate tasks. Additionally, the team must proactively identify and manage legal risks, such as developing policies and procedures, training employees, and conducting regular risk assessments. 

Overall, the Comet in-house legal team must be flexible, adaptable, and proactive in supporting the company’s growth while managing legal risks and costs. By doing so, the legal team can help the Comet Group provide smart solutions that improve semiconductor products and manufacturing processes, especially in the area of next-generation technologies such as plasma-control and X-ray inspection. The legal team will play a critical role in ensuring that the Comet Group remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to deliver value to its customers. 

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company. 

The Comet Group is deeply committed to sustainability and has implemented several measures to integrate sustainable practices into its core business operations. The company recognises the importance of reducing its environmental impact and has implemented an environmental management system that focuses on reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and using environmentally friendly materials. In addition, the company has developed a range of sustainable products, such as energy-efficient power supplies and X-ray systems, which have a reduced environmental impact. 

The Comet Group places a strong emphasis on ethical business practices and has implemented a code of conduct that outlines fair labour practices, respect for human rights, and anti-corruption measures. The company is committed to engaging employees in sustainability practices and has implemented various training and awareness-raising initiatives in all three dimensions of Environment, Social, and Government. 

Transparency and reporting are also key components of the Comet Group’s sustainability efforts. The company regularly reports on its sustainability performance and progress towards its sustainability goals, including the publication of an annual sustainability report and participation in sustainability rankings and assessments. 

As group general counsel, it is crucial to be a part of the Comet Sustainability Board, which ensures the cohesion of the Comet Group’s sustainability efforts. The Comet Sustainability Board drives and executes the sustainability strategy approved by the board of directors and the executive committee, developing actions and measures that improve Comet’s sustainability performance. 

Overall, the Comet Group is fully committed to making sustainability a fundamental part of its business operations and will continue to take action to achieve this goal. The legal team will play a key role in supporting the company on this journey, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into all aspects of the Comet business on a global scale. By doing so, the legal team can help the Comet Group achieve its sustainability goals and maintain its reputation as a responsible and ethical company.