More Than “Just” Law: A Legal Department with a Strategic Mandate
At SIX, lawyers don’t work behind closed doors. Led by General Counsel and Executive Board member Fabienne-Anne Rehulka, they help shape decisions at a Group level, working closely with the strategy team, business heads and executive/management teams. This is essential, as SIX operates in an internationally competitive environment where key decisions need to be assessed in light of local political agendas, regulatory developments and geopolitical trends. Lawyers think about the long-term sustainability of the company – they ask, “What if?”
Being part of the Executive Board of SIX underscores the heightened expectations of the Legal function – and with that comes great responsibility. This responsibility is to understand the environment, act as a trusted adviser by applying judgment based on experience and take ownership of the seamless execution of key decisions. At the same time, we aim to enable our day-to-day operations by providing practical solutions, challenging complexity, and demonstrating a sense of urgency.
Fabienne-Anne Rehulka, Group General Counsel at SIX
What Distinguishes the Work of the Legal Team at SIX?
Those who love complexity will be delighted to work in the Legal function at SIX. There is no other “SIX” in the market for the Legal team to draw on. Therefore, the Legal team has to determine its own approach, taking calculated risks in understanding and interpreting how the rules apply to the business of SIX. This is not easy and requires in-depth analyses and solid arguments backed up by a deep understanding of operations. On a different level, the Legal function has embarked on a journey of digitization of its processes: LegalTech. Those who seek to contribute to the future of the legal profession also find plenty to explore and drive forward.
In the Legal function, it is not your position that determines how much influence you have, but your willingness to take initiative, drive innovation, and shape the future of the organization. As Executive Assistant and Lead of LegalTech, I support agile working methods and digitize legal processes. Enabling faster, smarter decision-making and showing that leadership at SIX is about personal responsibility and making an impact from any role.
Tiffany Korkmaz, Executive Assistant for the General Counsel
How Do Cross-Border Legal Teams Work at SIX?
The Legal team recently transitioned from a local set-up to one aligned with business units, while maintaining a local perspective. The purpose is to ensure end-to-end accountability for the legal and regulatory aspects of key projects and initiatives. This requires close collaboration, coordination, and dialogue among two, four, sometimes up to six legal experts as well as complex multi-jurisdictional analysis. The objective is to deliver a single comprehensive opinion or solution.
My role has evolved from providing legal advice in Spain to a strategic and coordinating position that considers the overarching interest of SIX Group. Our structure brings me close to my stakeholders and allows for constructive and efficient interaction. In addition, I find the collaboration within the team to be increasingly effective and meaningful.
Ignacio Olivares, Head Legal Spain
What Skills Are Needed in a Legal Department of SIX?
The Skills required at SIX are similar to those in other legal departments: a solid understanding of laws and regulations, strong analytical capabilities, sound judgment, clear communication, and disciplined drafting. What sets SIX apart is the stage of evolution of its Legal function – moving toward a unified legal function, LegalTech, as well as strategic advice. This calls for a shift in mindset and ways of working. The skills required are those of a change agent with a commercial awareness, a keen interest in technology, drive, and a passion for continuous learning and experimenting.
At SIX, lawyers won’t find a day-to-day routine that follows a set pattern. Those who work here think on their feet, are accountable, and experiment with new ways of working – fundamentally, they care about the mission and ambition of SIX.
Learn More about Working at SIX