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GC Connected - GC & Senor Lawyer Directory
Michael Hartleben

Michael Hartleben

General Counsel
Trench Group
Germany

I’m a globally experienced General Counsel and legal executive with 15+ years of leading legal functions across industries, regions, and growth stages. I partner with Boards and C-suites to navigate complexity, manage enterprise risk, and align legal strategy with business transformation.

My focus: enabling growth through M&A, legal innovation, and ESG integration. I’ve led cross-border transactions, scaled legal teams, and transformed legal operations – positioning the legal function as a strategic enabler, not a cost center.

Known for bringing clarity to complexity, I lead with conviction, commercial acumen, and global perspective. I thrive in fast-moving, matrixed environments and advise with a balance of legal rigor and strategic foresight.

Selected Highlights:
–  Strategic Advisor: Supported PE-backed growth, informed executive decisions, and delivered successful exits.
– Operational Excellence: Led digitization initiatives, improving efficiency by 30% and cutting external legal spend.
– M&A Leadership: Directed 10+ cross-border transactions, including the acquisition of a Canadian market leader.
– Compliance & ESG: Built award-winning global compliance programs and led the implementation of CSRD readiness.

Fluent in English, German, and Russian; conversant in French. NY Bar admitted. INSEAD Global Executive MBA.

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