An interview with Nora Zinsli, Head of Legal at DHL in Switzerland.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region?
The General Counsel (GC) community in Switzerland has grown significantly over the years. Initially, the role of the GC was more focused on legal compliance and risk management. Today, GCs are expected to be strategic business partners, advising on complex legal issues while understanding the broader business context. This shift is driven by a growing emphasis on the legal function’s role in shaping corporate strategy, managing cross-border legal complexities, and mitigating risks in an increasingly globalised world.
How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
When I first moved in-house, the GC community was smaller and more siloed. Now, there’s a strong network of professionals collaborating across industries, sharing insights, and learning from each other. This has been facilitated by the rise of platforms like this one and other networks that encourage knowledge exchange and thought leadership.
Why is expanding your network important to you?
Expanding my network is essential to keep abreast of evolving legal trends and emerging risks. As the legal landscape grows more complex, having a diverse group of peers allows for sharing best practices and learning from others’ experiences.
What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
I value connections with other GCs who understand the challenges of balancing legal, business, and operational needs, particularly in a global logistics context.
The discussions I find most valuable are those that focus on how legal teams can enhance business resilience, navigate digital transformation, and lead in sustainability and compliance. Additionally, having a network of senior in-house lawyers with experience in different jurisdictions is invaluable, as it helps to exchange insights on cross-border legal challenges, such as regulatory changes or international disputes.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
By collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers, I aim to share experiences and insights specific to the Swiss legal landscape, particularly in areas such as compliance, regulatory changes, and local risk management. Given my role at DHL Group in Switzerland, I am especially interested in discussing the nuances of Swiss legal frameworks and how they interact with business operations in a global context.
I also seek to learn from others’ approaches to navigating local challenges and opportunities, including corporate governance, data privacy, and sustainability efforts within the Swiss legal system. Although my focus is primarily on Switzerland, I value the exchange of ideas and strategies that can help improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of legal teams, especially within the context of a global organisation.
