| ABB
The ABB legal team is led by general counsel and company secretary, Diane de Saint Victor who has been at the company for over 12 years and holds full responsibility...
| Acer Computer
The Acer Computer legal team is made up of seven lawyers in total who support the company in its aims of retaining its leading reputation as a multinational hardware and...
| Adecco Group
Adecco Group is a leading human resources provider of temporary staffing, permanent placement and talent development, and a Fortune Global 500 company. The legal team has supported the company in...
| Amgen
The Amgen legal team is a highly experienced department, with the average lawyer in the team possessing between 10 and twenty years of professional experience. The team, known as the...
| Audemars Piguet
Group chief legal officer, Nicolas Burgener, leads the legal function at luxury watch-making manufacturer Audemars Piguet. The team is made up of eight lawyers and one data protection officer whose...
| Baloise Group
The legal team is led by general counsel Andreas Burki who, as well as managing the legal affairs of the business, presides over the tax division of the group. The...
| Baxter International
Baxter international is a Fortune 500 company with a strong legal team that provides exceptional coverage for the medical devices company throughout the region from its Swiss base. The company...
| BCV Group (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise)
BCV Group (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise) is one of Switzerland’s biggest banks and a pillar of the Vaud economy, having more advisors than any other bank in the canton, with a...
| Bombardier Transportation
Headquartered in Berlin, Bombardier Transportation employs around 40,650 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries. As a major subsidiary of the leading global technology group for...
| Cargill
Cargill has been active in Switzerland since 1956 and employs more than 400 people at its headquarters in Geneva. Switzerland is a critical location for Cargill with the global trading...
| Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli
The legal function of Lindt & Sprüngli, one of the largest chocolate producers in the world, is centralised with all lawyers reporting directly to the group general counsel. Made up...
| Citrix Systems
The legal department of Citrix Systems is led by Oliver Kirchner, who serves as general counsel for EMEA. The team currently has six lawyers spread across Schaffhausen, London and Paris...
| Clariant International
Clariant International’s legal team is characterised by its legal professionals who have demonstrated history of working in the chemicals industry. The team has been integral to Clariant’s move towards higher...
| Colgate-Palmolive
Serving people in over 200 countries and territories, Colgate-Palmolive is a multinational consumer product company focused on the production, distribution and provision of household, healthcare, and personal care products. Trusted...
| Coop
Coop is one of Switzerland’s largest retail and wholesale companies. Employing around 90,000 people, it operates 2,458 sales outlets and stores. The Coop Group can be broken down into two...
| Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse occupies a highly prominent position in Switzerland’s financial market, as a renowned and leading multinational investment bank and financial services. Its legal team is led by general counsel...
| DKSH
The legal team at DKSH, a Swiss market expansion services company with a focus on Asia, continues to impress due to the volume of transactions it handles, adding to the...
| eBay International and eBay International Markets
The eBay legal team is divided into a number of different legal functions based in either the company’s Bern or Zurich offices, covering support for individual markets and also functional...
| EFG International
With the support of its excellent in-house legal team, EFG International recently announced the expansion of its services including a new multi-custody platform, in partnership with AM-One, a subsidiary of...
| European Broadcasting Union
Made up of 117 member organisations in 56 countries, as well as 34 associate members from a further 21 countries, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is an alliance of public...
| European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, is a European research organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Established in 1954, the organisation is...
| FIFA
Founded in 1904, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of association football and the umbrella organisation of its members, currently 211 national football associations....
| Garmin
Listed on NASDAQ, Garmin is a US multinational technology company founded in 1989 and was incorporated in Switzerland in 2000. The company specialises in GPS technology for automotive, aviation, marine,...
| gategroup
Headquartered in Zurich, gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, logistics, retail-on-board and hospitality products, services and technologies, serving more than 700 million passengers annually from over 200 operating...
| GE Power
Energy giant GE Power creates a third of the world’s electricity, and amasses technology that equips 90% of power transmission utilities worldwide. Owned by General Electric, the company has been...
| Generali Schweiz
The in-house legal team at Generali Switzerland, the international insurance company, is led by experienced general counsel Alexander Lacher, since April 2018, and is a major innovative force within the...
| Givaudan
Included in previous editions of the GC Powerlist: Switzerland, the in-house legal team at the leading global fragrance and flavour maker Givaudan continues to impress internal colleagues and external peers,...
| Glencore
The Glencore in-house legal team is led by the highly experienced and respected in-house legal counsel Shaun Teichner, and provides expert coverage to the international mining company’s vast portfolio and...
Google’s legal department for Switzerland and Austria is formed by a group of experienced lawyers who are equipped with strong expertise in data protection, copyright and competition matters and are...
| Gunvor Group
The in-house legal team at Gunvor Group provides excellent legal coverage to the global physical energy commodities trading company, and continues to assist it daily. The team has worked on...
| Helsana
With over CHF6bn in earned premiums, Helsana is one of the leading providers in the Swiss insurance market with a workforce of more than 3,000 employees in Switzerland. Helsana insures...
| Helvetia Group
Helvetia Group has grown to become Switzerland’s leading Swiss all-lines insurer and a successful international insurance group with additional expertise in areas of transport, art and engineering insurance and active...
| HERITAGE B B.V.
HERITAGE B is a family-owned industrial holding with two business activities: at present TEKA and THIELMANN, with intentions to grow by setting up more business activities in the future. HERITAGE...
| Hewlett Packard International
Well established in the technology sector, Hewlett-Packard International offers worldwide IT, technology and enterprise solutions and services. The legal team is tasked with conducting complex M&A and handling the tax...
| Honeywell
Honeywell is a Fortune 100 company that invents and manufactures technologies to address tough challenges linked to global macro trends such as safety, security, and energy. It has approximately 129,000...
| International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade organisation for all of the major international carriers representing 290 airlines, roughly 82% of global air traffic. From its European headquarters...
| JTI
Headed by senior vice president of legal and regulatory affairs Wade Wright, the legal team at JTI (Japan Tobacco International) is replete with some of the best lawyers in the...
| Julius Bär Group
Group general counsel Christoph Hiestand has led the Julius Bär Group legal team for nearly 10 years. The legal team has recently overseen Singapore’s purchase of a stake in Julius...
| Kudelski Group
The Kudelski Group, the Swiss-based global leader in digital security and end-to-end convergent media solutions signed an agreement with Sequans Communications in June 2019. The deal announced a new secure...
| Kuehne + Nagel Management
The Kuehne + Nagel Group has a long established history since 1890. It has been headquartered and SIX stock-exchange listed in Switzerland for decades. The Group has evolved from a...
| LafargeHolcim
Head legal and compliance Keith Carr leads the LafargeHolcim legal team. The team is at the forefront of providing legal advice in the area of global building materials and solutions,...
| Lonza Group
The legal team of Swiss multinational chemicals and biotechnology company Lonza is made up of more than 50 legal, ethics and compliance and IP professionals globally, of which around 20...
| Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC)
Made up of 19 lawyers in EMEA and 11 in Switzerland, the legal team of LDC boasts an impressive portfolio of completed global ventures and acquisitions in the areas of...
| Luxury Goods International
Founded in 1995 Swiss brand Luxury Goods International offers distribution and logistics services for international brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen. The legal team was established...
| Metalor Technologies
The legal team at Metalor Technologies, a leading participant in the field of precious metals and advanced materials, is comprised of four lawyers and led by group general counsel Jose...
| Microsoft
Microsoft’s corporate, external and legal affairs (CELA) department in Switzerland is led by director of legal affairs Jan Widmer and includes team members supporting different functions and locations such as...
| Migros
The in-house legal team supports Migros in its activities of serving more than two million cooperative members nationwide and 10 regional cooperatives in Switzerland. The legal team plays a key...
| Mirabaud & Cie SA
Founded in 1819, Mirabaud & Cie is one of the oldest banks in Switzerland and has historically played a key role in the development of the Swiss financial system, helping...
| Mövenpick Holding
Mövenpick Holding is a Swiss group company headquartered in Switzerland and fully owned by AccorHotels since September 2018. General counsel Christian Müller is responsible for all legal and IP matters...
| Nestlé
Swiss multinational food and drink company Nestlé is the largest food company in the world according to revenues and has been since 2014. Forming an integral part of its growth...
| Nobel Biocare
Nobel Biocare is a global pioneer in innovative implant-based dental care and a part of Danaher Corporation, a global leader in science and technology, helping clients solve complex problems and...
| Novartis
Led by group general counsel Shannon Thyme Klinger, the Novartis legal team is made up of a number of highly skilled and dynamic lawyers who expertly navigate the legal matters...
| ODDO BHF (Switzerland)
ODDO BHF (Switzerland) was founded in 1974 and is headquarted in Zurich and has a branch in Geneva. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ODDO BHF in Frankfurt and is...
| Oerlikon
Oerlikon is a global leader in producing materials, equipment and surfaces and expert services to customers to enable them to have high-performance products. Although headquartered in Switzerland, it has a...
| Oryx Energies
Oryx Energies sources, supplies, stores and distributes oil and gas products needed by consumers, businesses and maritime operations across sub-Saharan Africa. The Swiss legal team is led by chief legal...
| Pictet Asset Management
With offices in 17 countries and with business activities in 50 countries, the Pictet Asset management legal team is spread across Geneva, Luxembourg, London and Hong Kong with heads of...
| PostFinance
PostFinance is one of Switzerland’s leading retail financial institutions and, as the number one for Swiss payment transactions, ensures a seamless flow of liquidity. It is the first choice for...
| Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble boasts a highly experienced and talented in-house legal team based in Switzerland covering the EIMEA (Europe, India, Middle East and Africa) area. Continuing to impress after its...
| Raiffeisen
Raiffeisen is a systematically important universal bank in Switzerland, with a focus on providing a range of products and services to large corporations, private individuals and multiple distribution channels. The...
| Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a US corporation producing mid-range to luxury fashion products. Established in 1967, Ralph Lauren has more than 40 offices in 14 countries across the globe. Ralph Lauren...
| Richemont
Richemont is a Switzerland-based luxury goods holding company founded in 1988. Through its various subsidiaries, Richemont produces and sells jewellery, watches, leather goods, pens, firearms, clothing and accessories. The legal...
| Rising Tide
The current legal team of Rising Tide consists of the general counsel Rich Magnan and paralegal Lilian Oberholzer. Magnan handles all legal issues for the group, some personally and others...
| Roche
Roche’s highly respected legal function is led by general counsel Dr Gottlieb Keller. Among other notable recent achievements, team members recently provided support to Roche in entering into a definitive...
| Salt Mobile
Salt Mobile occupies a large domain in the Swiss telecommunications industry as the third largest Swiss mobile operator with 1.2 million subscribers and a 4G coverage of more than 97%...
| Satisloh Group
The Satisloh legal team is made up of two lawyers and led by group general counsel Martin Wartmann, who has recently joined Satisloh Group after an extensive tenure at Selecta....
| SBB
Since 2014, the legal and compliance department at SBB, Switzerland’s national railway company, is managed in a solid line with each division dedicated to legal resources which provide expertise and...
| Schindler
Having a strong in-house legal team comprised of talented and well respected lawyers, Schindler promoted Petra Andrea Winkler to group general counsel in April 2019. Now under Winkler’s guidance, the...
| Semtech
Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high performance analogue and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms for high-end consumers, enterprise computing, communications, and industrial equipment. The legal team of Semtech’s...
| SGS
The in-house legal team at SGS continues to impress through its high volume of important international M&A activity as well as general legal and commercial acumen. For example the team...
| SICPA
SICPA is a Swiss leader in developing and distributing high security ink for bank notes, identity documents and brand protection that has gained considerable global recognition over the years. This...
| Sidel Group
Sidel, one of three industry groups of Tetra Laval, is a leading provider of equipment and services solutions for packaging beverages, food, home and personal care products. Sidel has over...
| SIG Combibloc Group
The superb and highly talented in-house legal team at SIG Combibloc Group is led by group general counsel and chief compliance officer Philippe A. Huber and consists of nine lawyers...
| SOCAR Trading
SOCAR Trading distributes and trades crude oil worldwide and operates in the areas of trading gasoline, naphtha, LPH, condensates, gasoil and fuel oil. As of December 2007, SOCAR Trading was...
| Sonova
Sonova, a leading worldwide provider of hearing solutions and products, has continued to impress nominators for the quality of its legal management that makes it a leader in its field....
| SRG Swiss Broadcasting
Sonova, a leading worldwide provider of hearing solutions and products, has continued to impress nominators for the quality of its legal management that makes it a leader in its field....
| STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a French-Italian leading multinational electronics and semiconductor manufacturer and is Europe’s largest semiconductor chip maker based on revenue. The legal team use their legal expertise in the area...
| Stragen Pharma
Stragen Pharma is an international, privately held healthcare company focused on the development, registration and worldwide distribution of pharmaceutical specialities for women’s health, hospital supplies, consumer health products and new...
| Sulzer
Sulzer is a world leading specialist manufacturer of industrial flow control applicators specialised in pumping solutions, services for rotating equipment and separation and mixing technology. Its in-house legal team continues...
| Swarovski
Swarovski was founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895 in Austria and is the world’s leading provider of precision-cut crystal for fashion, jewellery, accessories, lighting, architecture and interiors. Swarovski Group achieved...
| Swatch Group
Swatch Group, the Swiss manufacturer of watches and jewellery, has gained a renowned reputation for being the world’s largest watchmaking group, active in the sale of jewellery, watches and their...
| Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is the flag carrier of Switzerland, flying to over 100 destinations in 44 countries worldwide from Zurich, Geneva and Lugano and carrying almost 18 million...
| Swiss Post
The talented in-house legal team at Swiss Post returns to the GC Powerlist: Switzerland Teams after its inclusion in the 2016 edition, impressing nominators with their expert transactional work. The...
| Swiss Re - Corporate Centre and Group Functions
The Swiss Re – Corporate Centre and Group Functions legal team is part of the legal and compliance division at global reinsurer Swiss Re, and consists of five global sub-teams...
| Swisscom
Swisscom is Switzerland’s leading telecoms company and one of its leading IT companies with a presence in the Italian market through Fastweb. The company’s legal team has worked hard to...
| Swissport International
The Swissport International legal team is led by the seasoned general counsel and company secretary Thomas Gross who amasses over 10 years of experience in the transport industry. The legal...
| Syngenta
The legal team at Syngenta plays a significant role in the crop protection goals of the leading agricultural company, using their legal, IP and patent and trademark expertise to support...
| Takeda
The Takeda legal team supports the multinational pharmaceutical company’s European and Canadian (EUCAN) business units as well as other Takeda global business units at various levels. Led by general counsel...
| TE Connectivity
The TE Connectivity legal team stands out for being able to actively advise the business on innovative ways to help to grow the intellectual property portfolio while tackling the importance...
| Trafigura
Headquartered in Geneva but registered in Singapore, Trafigura is a multinational commodity trading company that trades in base metals and energy. The Trafigura legal team has been a fundamental support...
| Trina Solar (Schweiz)
Considered one of the leading solar panel manufacturers with numerous branches in the US, Europe and Latin America, Trina Solar creates industry leading solutions for residential and commercial establishments. The...
| UBS
The Swiss legal infrastructure and digital innovation legal team, as well as the group contracting and technology legal team are both headed by managing director Sergio Greco and focus on...
| UEFA
Founded in 1904, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of association football and the umbrella organisation of its members, currently 211 national football associations....
| Valiant Bank
Valiant Bank is an independent bank focused on retail banking in Switzerland offering private clients and small-medium-sized businesses a comprehensive range of services and products covering all financial needs. The...
| Verisure
Verisure is the leading provider of professionally monitored security solutions in Europe founded in 1988 with operations in 15 countries in Europe and Latin America where they serve over three...
| Victorinox
Nationally renowned knife manufacturer Victorinox is globally recognised for its production of iconic and high quality Swiss army knives. Based in Switzerland, the Victorinox brand prides itself for also making...
| Vifor Pharma
The Vifor Pharma legal team prides themselves for providing strategic legal and IP advice that is holistic, concise, accurate and timely to facilitate attainment of business objectives while protecting, maintaining...
| Vitol
The legal team at Vitol – the international energy company – continues to show its excellence through a series of key transactions. The team has worked on the acquisition by...
| Von Roll Management
Head of corporate legal and group general counsel Michael Weigerstorfer leads the in-house legal team at Von Roll Management, the managing company of the ultimate holding company Von Roll Holding...
| Zürcher Kantonalbank
With roughly 140 employees, the legal and compliance department at Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) provides independent legal advice to the bank and its employees with regards to all kinds of legal,...
| Zurich Insurance Company - M&A, Finance and Investments (MFI)
Zurich Insurance Company is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in both global and local markets. With approximately 54,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and...
Switzerland still remains one of the most advanced economies in Europe, with predictions for it to remain sturdy for the remainder of 2019. As a small and open economy, Switzerland is dependent on the political environment in Europe, and although it is expected by political forecasters to be affected by Brexit in term of exports, 2019 has been one of the strongest years of growth after the financial crisis. With a predicted growth rate of 1.7% for 2019, the Switzerland economic landscape continues to be boosted by its modern market economy which benefits greatly from stronger private consumption, recently approved corporate tax reforms and export opportunities.
Other areas of strength which make Switzerland one of the world’s most competitive economies are its political stability, efficient infrastructure and its transparent legal system. Swiss legal teams have excelled in developing advanced ways deal with complex legal issues and creating innovative and thoughtful ways to deal with delicate business matters. They have also moved ahead with legal technological advancement, by fully embracing the use of technical tools to further enhance legal processes within their departments.
In this year’s GC Powerlist: Switzerland Teams we are pleased to highlight some of the country’s leading in-house legal departments. To compile this list, we canvassed opinions from both law firm partners and in-house counsel in the region. We identified the most impressive legal departments operating in Switzerland who have utilised their legal knowledge strategically alongside business insight to make a positive impact towards their organisation’s success.
Axiom is delighted to support the GC Powerlist, to play a role in recognising the innovators and trailblazers across in-house counsel and teams in Switzerland.
The growth of the segment today known as Alternative Legal Services Providers – or ALSPs – has evolved rapidly. Nearly 20 years ago, Axiom created this new model with the simple idea that there was a better way to bring innovative legal services to inhouse counsel. Since that time, this category has now developed into a rapidly-expanding ecosystem with a various industry segments now focused on this same charter.
Today, Axiom is the world’s largest Alternative Legal Services Provider, serving clients across the globe with a mix of flexible resourcing, managed services and project-based solutions in legal and compliance. We were the first to offer such services in Switzerland, establishing operations here nearly four years ago. As with any big idea – Axiom today is often imitated, but our global scale, our reputation that draws the world’s top legal talent, and our ongoing drive to innovate and lead – means the full power of the model remains unique to Axiom.
Innovation and change is hard work. We offer congratulations to those recognised in the GC Powerlist: Switzerland Teams 2019, highlighting the strength and innovation displayed by in-house teams across Switzerland, and reinforces the highly strategic role of corporate counsel in today’s business environment.
General Counsel Take the Lead
Congratulations on being named a leader amongst leaders! General Counsel have been blazing new trails in the legal marketplace for years, and it is a testament to your leadership to be named in the GC Powerlist. Elevate is proud to work with many of the GCs at the forefront of innovation in the management of the in-house legal function.
In partnership with our customers, we address challenges central to legal and IP, eDiscovery and investigations and compliance. Elevate’s consulting and technology-enabled managed services drive greater efficiency and reduce risk in the processes most critical to these functions. Our solutions cover the issues most central to running your department – from responding to a discovery/disclosure
order from a court or regulator, forming/
evaluating an outside counsel panel, gaining visibility and controlling legal spend, improving
contract management or better managing the flow
of work handled by internal staff. We also provide decades of collective expertise in helping GCs and their counterparts in IP and Compliance to advance the operations of their functions – from selecting and implementing the right technology, to finding the right mix of in-house and outsourced work, to building and maintaining the reports needed to make better decisions.
As you consider your position as a leader in this field, we hope that you will reach out to Elevate to explore the possibilities that our solutions and experts have to offer. We are proud to celebrate with you tonight and look forward to engaging with you again in the future. To learn more about Elevate, please visit www.elevateservices.com or contact Jerome Raguin directly.
Count on Loyens & Loeff to tackle any cross-border and domestic tax, legal and regulatory challenges for your Swiss or international business, whether you are in a local company, multinational enterprise, financial institution, private equity fund or family-owned business operating in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg.
Founded over 100 years ago in The Netherlands, Loyens & Loeff has become a leading legal and tax firm in Benelux and Switzerland. Thanks to the firm’s full-service practice, specific sector experience and thorough understanding of the market, Loyens & Loeff’s advisers comprehend what you need. Whatever time zone you are in, with offices in Switzerland, Benelux and key financial centres around the world, the expertise you need is only a phone call away.
Who we are
Independent and international: as a fully independent law firm, Loyens & Loeff is excellently positioned to co-ordinate international tax and legal matters. The firm has a network of offices in major financial centres, staffed with specialists in Swiss, Dutch, Belgian and Luxembourg law. Through these offices, clients have access to Loyens & Loeff’s full-service legal expertise in their own time zone. The firm’s office network is complemented by its numerous country desks, all of which are experienced in structuring investments all over the world. It is this winning combination that enables the firm to assist international clients in the most efficient of way. Moreover, the firm is on excellent terms with other leading independent law firms and tax consultants. That way, Loyens & Loeff guarantees you top-level advice in every part of the world.
Innovative and pragmatic: each problem requires a customised solution. The firm’s pragmatic approach and drive to devise innovative solutions allow it to effectively address the demands of its clients’ domestic and international businesses. Thanks to the broad range of the firm’s legal experience, know-how and the size of its practices, the firm can offer you top-level advice, locally and internationally. The firm is committed to meeting your needs at the highest quality level in the most efficient way.
Focused and engaged: entrepreneurship, client focus, quality awareness and social engagement all characterise the firm’s culture. Loyens & Loeff offers a challenging work environment and equal opportunities for all its employees. The firm is mindful of the environment and helps charities with the support and knowledge of its employees.
Areas of practice
Loyens & Loeff offers expertise in the fields of tax, corporate law, financial law and capital markets, (cross-border) financing, private equity, real estate, VAT, EU, regulatory issues, employment law, commercial law, IP, IT, public and administrative law, and litigation.
For the third consecutive year, Legal 500 partnered with Red Legal Iberoamericana to celebrate the very best in-house counsel from across Europe who dedicate their efforts to the vibrant region of Latin America. In fact, these lawyers possess a unique set of skills that enables them to navigate the challenges and diversity of Latin America in an agile and well-versed manner.
The event took place at the Hotel Wellington in the elegant city of Madrid, Spain, on 7th November 2024. Attendees were welcomed by Sara Maggi, senior editor — research and content at Legal 500, who congratulated all the powerlisters for their contributions to business across Latin America and emphasised the importance of recognising such exceptional lawyers.
Julio Veloso, partner at Broseta Abogados, then took the stage. After offering his congratulations, he invited Alejandro Sainz, senior partner at Sainz Abogados, to join him on stage. They reiterated their pride in sponsoring this research and publication, which recognises unmatched talent.
Santiago González Pérez, vice president and senior employment counsel for EMEA at American Express, shared an in-house perspective on the challenges of working in-house and managing client expectations while operating in a business environment. He also highlighted the importance of being recognised by such prestigious publications.
The evening continued with a cocktail reception featuring drinks and canapés, alongside networking opportunities between talented peers. The event was a great success, and we look forward to next year, as we continue to recognise the efforts of Latin American specialists based across Europe.
