Team size: 10

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?

In periods of instability or crises, managing legal aspects requires a strategic, proactive approach that is tightly aligned with the broader business goals to ensure organisational resilience. As General Counsel of ATOSS, I lead with a clear focus on integrating legal strategy into business operations, ensuring that legal risks are anticipated and mitigated while supporting the company’s overall objectives.

My approach starts with building strong cross-functional collaboration. During the recent conversion of ATOSS Software AG into a European Company (SE), I worked closely with both internal and external teams and stakeholders to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while maintaining business continuity. This demonstrated our ability to manage legal challenges in ways that strengthen, rather than hinder, the company’s strategic goals, such as expanding its international footprint.

I foster a legal team culture that emphasises agility and business enablement, which proved essential during ATOSS’s transformation from client-based to cloud services, as well as in the introduction of AI-driven solutions. My team is trained to provide quick, informed guidance, especially during periods of instability, ensuring that legal decisions are made in alignment with ATOSS’s business strategy, such as its international growth and innovative software offerings.

By embedding legal strategy within ATOSS’s broader objectives, I ensure that my team doesn’t just mitigate risks but actively contributes to the company’s resilience. This approach safeguards that during periods of instability, legal actions align with ATOSS’s long-term vision, creating a foundation for continued growth and adaptability.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

I have recently led ATOSS through several high-impact legal transactions, including the conversion of ATOSS Software AG into a European Company (SE) and the successful implementation of a share split by way of capital increase. I also advised ATOSS during the acquisition of 20% of ATOSS’s shares by General Atlantic in 2023 and a private placement by the two largest shareholders of ATOSS of a further 7% of the share capital by way of an accelerated bookbuilding process with institutional investors in Summer 2024. Furthermore, I advised on the introduction of various AI-driven solutions and ensured legal compliance in data privacy and cybersecurity—critical areas in ATOSS’s ongoing digital and international expansion efforts.

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?

Over the next five years, businesses in Germany will face significant legal challenges in areas like data privacy, cybersecurity, AI regulation, and ESG compliance. As General Counsel of ATOSS, I constantly address these challenges by transparent communication and solution-oriented initiatives within the Executive Management Board on the one hand and by ensuring that my legal team is proactive and aligned with business strategy.

Data privacy and cybersecurity will remain top priorities as companies increasingly adopt cloud-based services and AI-driven solutions, as seen in ATOSS’s own digital transformation. My team is closely monitoring evolving regulations, such as the EU’s AI Act, Data Act or the NIS2 directive, to ensure compliance while fostering innovation.

AI regulation presents another important challenge. As ATOSS is integrating AI into its software solutions, my team and I navigate through complex ethical and legal topics related to algorithm transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Lastly, ESG-related compliance is gaining prominence as companies, especially listed companies such as ATOSS, are expected to demonstrate greater transparency and responsibility. My legal strategy includes preparation for stricter reporting requirements and ensuring ATOSS continues to align its operations with sustainable and ethical business practices. By embedding legal risk management into ATOSS’s strategic growth initiatives, I`m ensuring ATOSS remains resilient and adaptable to these upcoming challenges.