What's Happening?
A global industrial company, operating in over 40 countries, is expanding its legal team by hiring a European Employment and Data Privacy Counsel. This new role is designed to support the company's growth in the EMEA region, focusing on employment law compliance and data protection initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for advising on a range of employment matters, including recruiting, hiring, terminations, and performance management, as well as developing and maintaining the company's Global Data Protection Management/Privacy Program. The position will be based in Germany, Switzerland, or France, with travel required to company offices approximately two days per week. The role involves collaboration with global business and legal teams, handling privacy and employment claims, and participating in cybersecurity incident response teams.
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Why It's Important?
The expansion of the legal team in the EMEA region highlights the company's commitment to strengthening its compliance with employment and data protection laws, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This move is significant as it reflects the growing importance of data privacy and employment law in global operations, especially in light of increasing regulatory scrutiny. By enhancing its legal capabilities, the company aims to mitigate risks associated with privacy breaches and employment disputes, which can have substantial financial and reputational impacts. This development is crucial for maintaining the company's competitive edge and ensuring smooth operations across multiple jurisdictions.
What's Next?
The newly appointed counsel will oversee investigations in collaboration with the Ethics and Compliance Department, HR, and IT on employee, privacy, and cybersecurity matters. The role will also involve managing outside counsel for employment law and data privacy functions. As the company continues to expand, the legal team will likely play a pivotal role in supporting cross-border transactions and advising on works council matters. The company may also focus on enhancing its training programs on employment and privacy topics to ensure compliance and awareness among its workforce.
Beyond the Headlines
This strategic expansion of the legal team may lead to long-term shifts in how the company approaches data privacy and employment law across its global operations. The emphasis on innovative thought leadership and solving challenging issues could set new standards for legal practices within the industry. Additionally, the role's focus on cybersecurity incident response teams underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity in corporate governance.
