The challenges of tech sector: Guido Wennemer
by claudia la via
Guido Wennemer, Acer’s Emea General Counsel, highlights the complex interplay
between innovation, regulation, and legal practice in the technology sector.
The technology sector is rapidly evolving and this poses significant legal challenges as the legal
framework continues to evolve rapidly. Over the past few years, there has been an increase
in regulation across various domains, including GDPR, environmental standards, and technology itself. Governments are perpetually playing catch-up, reflecting a shift where, just a couple of years ago, environmental regulations were less stringent but have now intensified significantly.
To gain deeper insights into how companies are navigating this changing landscape, MAG
spoke with Guido Wennemer (pictured), Emea General Counsel from Acer.
He shared about adapting to new legal frameworks, the role of legal teams in global companies, and the future impact of AI in legal practices.
“Compliance has evolved into a business of its own, with consultancy firms transforming into full-fledged companies dedicated to ensuring legal conformity. The current regulatory environment has made it increasingly difficult to ensure compliance, necessitating a constant openness to change. One can no longer rely solely on established practices” – Guido Wennemer
In such a hectic and innovation-driven sector as technology, how is a legal counsel role changing?
Our job now involves continuous learning and adaptation, engaging in discussions with peers,
and consulting more frequently with numerous law firms and service providers. The demands
from authorities such as environmental and data protection agencies have grown, as these bodies are consistently active in enforcing regulations.
What are the most challenging goals a general counsel has to face today, especially in your sector?
The role of in-house counsel has significantly evolved, expanding beyond the traditional focus on legal issues alone. Today, it’s essential to adopt a more general managing approach that includes
not only navigating complex legal frameworks but also staying attuned to developments within the company, the industry, and society at large.
This shift demands a robust set of general management skills and a deep interdisciplinary
understanding. As legal advisors, we must manage the intricacies of compliance across different jurisdictions, adapting to new legal standards that influence data protection, environmental sustainability, and cross-border transactions. The challenge extends to keeping pace with regulatory changes, requiring a comprehensive grasp of both global and local legal environments. Moreover, the role now demands heightened people skills and an ability to view issues through a broader, more strategic lens. It’s no longer just about negotiating contracts; it’s about understanding industry dynamics, societal shifts, and integrating these perspectives into a cohesive strategy. Staying up-to-date on diverse subjects and maintaining interdisciplinary approaches is not just beneficial but crucial today.
Being part of a global company implies ‘global’ duties. How is it possible to ‘localize’ legal
queries and still comply on a global scale?
Navigating the complexities of global compliance while addressing local legal requirements is indeed one of the most significant challenges for global companies. At Acer, our approach
involves a delicate balance between enforcing global mandates and adapting to local legal environments. This requires a nuanced understanding of both global policies and the specific legal landscapes of each region we operate in…
