What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Recently, our legal team played a pivotal role in supporting the negotiation and renegotiation of a series of critically important contracts that significantly impacted our business outcomes. For so, collaboration was key, with involvement from various departments including finance, sales, and even our headquarters to develop a strategy deeply rooted in legal arguments and a thorough analysis of the internal and external scenarios and needs.

Since we are a new team to Siemens Healthineers, we have also dedicated our time and energy to a journey of transformation and growth. We delved into improving internal processes, meticulously reviewed the litigation portfolio and contractual templates, and applied agility tools to boost team efficiency. This combination of innovation and excellence defined our path and prepared us to face future challenges with confidence and skill, while improving our governance.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

The key to success as an in-house lawyer lies in a deep understanding of both the business and the company’s goals. This knowledge is the backbone that sets us apart from external counsel. Recognising this, our team embarked on a journey to immerse ourselves in the heart of our business operations.

For so, we did not just stop at understanding the theory; we went the extra mile by engaging directly with our main external customers. This hands-on approach allowed us to not only grasp the intricacies of the business but also gain firsthand insight into the challenges it faces.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

To foster closer collaboration between the legal department and our business counterparts, I have taken a more proactive and engaging approach. I have conducted transparent discussions about the role of the legal department and how we can add more value to their initiatives. This has not only clarified expectations but also strengthened our relationship by demonstrating our commitment to supporting them in the best possible way.

In terms of organisational structure, we have implemented a significant change. Previously, the legal department was primarily organised by legal specialty. However, recognising the importance of deeply understanding the nuances of each business area of Siemens Healthineers, we have implemented a hybrid system. Now, each business area has a dedicated point of contact within the legal department, in addition to specialists in specific legal areas. This has increased familiarity with the challenges faced by our business colleagues and enabled more effective and efficient collaboration.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am incredibly passionate about Siemens Healthineers’s mission to provide healthcare access to everyone, everywhere. It is not just a job for me; it is a calling. Every day, I am fuelled by the opportunity to contribute to something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. From ensuring legal compliance to facilitating innovative solutions, I am committed to playing my part in making our business thrive and, more importantly, in positively impacting the lives of individuals worldwide—from the moment of diagnosis to their journey toward treatment and recovery.