Team size: Five 

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

During periods of instability or crisis, my approach involves conducting comprehensive risk assessments to prioritise actions, and collaboratively developing a crisis response plan with the management team. I prioritise open communication with key stakeholders, including management and other relevant functions like communication or insurance. Through a strategic lens, I assess opportunities to strengthen contracts and adapt our claim management strategy, aligning these efforts with the overall business strategy to bolster the organisation’s resilience.   

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?   

Since the establishment of a robust sustainability framework in 2021, Gurit has ingrained sustainable practices into core business operations, fostering increased employee engagement worldwide. The company has witnessed a notable uptick in sustainability initiatives across workstreams, business units, and sites, accompanied by enhanced data collection and coordinated approaches. Notably, we are meeting set targets and have integrated a climate related KPI into incentive compensation, while also incorporating ESG factors into investment decisions.  

The legal department has played a crucial role in implementing human rights due diligence within our value chain and contributing to broader business ethics initiatives. As part of our traditional transactional work with ESG, we also contribute due diligence in M&A or ESG clauses in supplier contracts. We are used to dealing with risk management and compliance issues. Risk mapping, materiality assessments, prioritising and mitigating risks are typical tasks we do.  

Sustainability has clearly become a boardroom topic, even more with the new Swiss legislation (RBI) and the liability of the company directors, who become more accountable for ESG performance. We generally have direct access to the board, as general counsel or board secretary, so we are well placed to advise and engage on the topic. Overall, with a holistic understanding of business practices, the general counsel sits at the intersection of legal, compliance, reputation and risks. Hence, the general counsel is very well placed to play a broader role and contribute to the ESG strategy.  

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?   

As both the general counsel and head of sustainability, prioritising diversity and inclusion within our legal department is integral to our overall commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. We have implemented several initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment.  

Firstly, we actively promote diversity in our recruitment processes, ensuring that our hiring practices are inclusive and consider a diverse pool of candidates. Additionally, we provide ongoing diversity training to all team members, raising awareness and promoting a culture of understanding and respect. Incorporating diversity metrics into performance evaluations ensures accountability, encouraging our team to actively contribute to creating an inclusive workplace. Additionally, we are continually reassessing and updating our policies and procedures to align with best practices in diversity and inclusion.