General counsel | HORNBACH Baumarkt
Dr. Christian Seidel
General counsel | HORNBACH Baumarkt
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?
The first step is to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential legal threats. This requires close collaboration with other departments to fully understand the scope of the crisis. Once the risks are identified, we develop strategies to mitigate them and minimize legal exposure.
To address the crisis effectively, we have established a dedicated crisis management team that includes key stakeholders from legal, compliance, communications, and operations, among others.
Clear and consistent communication is crucial during a crisis, and we make sure that all messaging is legally sound. This helps ensure that all parties are aligned and informed throughout the process.
Additionally, staying up-to-date with regulatory changes is essential. We work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure our responses comply with all applicable laws and regulations, thereby helping to avoid potential penalties and reputational damage.
Regarding recent cases or transactions, I have been involved in various M&A transactions, internal investigations, and further developments in compliance and data protection.
What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Germany over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?
With the EU’s regulatory landscape constantly evolving, especially in areas like data protection (GDPR) and environmental regulations, it is crucial for businesses to remain compliant. To prepare for these challenges, I ensure that our legal team stays continuously updated on regulatory changes and proactively initiates the necessary compliance steps.