What sparked your interest in pursuing a career with Energy Traders Europe?
Knowing the acceptance and trust of Energy Traders Europe members' legal departments in the joint work and developments of the Legal Committee has sparked my interest in a career with Energy Traders Europe. The feeling of being able to make a difference together.
What aspects of energy trading particularly appeal to you?
For me, the combination of legal work and analyses and commercial aspects in energy trading exudes a special fascination.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people who know you.
Even though I'm a city person at heart (and birth), I've settled into a charming Franconian village in Bavaria for the past few years. Here, I enjoy life with my family and our lively little zoo: two Great Danes and four mischievous cats.
If you could be whisked away tomorrow to your dream holiday destination, where would it be and why?
If I could be anywhere, it would be in a campervan touring Europe. There are amazing places to discover everywhere — breath-taking landscape, delicious food, fascinating museums, and incredible people.
What role do you envision energy traders playing in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy future?
Energy traders can play a crucial role in the transition to sustainable energy. Like the opening of conventional electricity and gas markets, they can provide consumers with alternative procurement options. Industry and end consumers will only switch to renewable energies if they are as accessible and reliable as conventional sources.
What’s your favourite movie?
My favourite film is The Matrix. I find the story fascinating, and the execution is simply brilliant. Haven't we all experienced déjà vu? In my opinion, this film revolutionised mainstream cinema with its special effects and stunts.
My favourite series is Kleo. It's a distinctly German story set in Berlin around the fall of the Wall, blending historical events with black humour. I was impressed by Jella Haase, who brilliantly reinvented herself in this role, moving away from her previous characters like "Chantal”.
As a board member, what key responsibilities do you hold to effectively contribute to the association's success?
As Chair of the Legal Committee, I see my main role on the Board as giving a voice to the concerns and interests of the Legal Committee members. Communication between the Board and the members is incredibly important. Over the past few months, I have noticed time and again that there are different interests that need to be communicated and managed.
What do you bring to the Board?
(Laughs) I’d say I have a keen legal eye for the issues discussed on the board. Like my colleagues, I bring many years of experience in energy trading, both during normal times and in exceptional situations like the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the energy crisis.
What is one of your proudest achievements, and what lessons did you learn from it?
I have three wonderful children who are gradually finding their own paths and gaining independence. While I prefer a straightforward, determined and well-planned approach, I’ve learned that it’s important to let them have their own experiences, make mistakes, and grow from them. It can be exhausting at times, but it's essential for their personal development.
How do you stay abreast of the latest industry trends, developments, and market dynamics to ensure informed decision-making?
In my opinion, it's crucial to accept that not every development can be followed with the same intensity across all publications. Staying on top of everything requires teamwork. It's essential to focus on certain areas and become an expert in them. I'm fortunate to have a fantastic team in the Legal Committee Secretariat. We rely on each other, and everyone has the opportunity to learn from one another. The same applies to our dialogue with colleagues from other Committees.
What are your strategies for effectively managing stress and maintaining a balanced life amidst demanding responsibilities?
I make it a point to go for a long walk in the forest at least once a day. With two Great Danes, it's both a pleasure and a necessity. Plus, I must admit, my chocolate consumption tends to skyrocket during stressful times!
What are some of your favourite hobbies or activities to unwind and relax?
I love playing a round of golf or classic card games like Skat or Doppelkopf with my family. It's a great way to bond and have fun together!
How has the evolving energy landscape, including the transition to renewables and geopolitical tensions, impacted the European energy market?
Geopolitical developments as well as the pandemic have subjected the majority of energy trading agreements and contracts to massive stress tests. In times of crises, lawyers learn whether the solutions they developed months or years in advance actually work. Looking back, we can confidently say that much of what the members of the Legal Committee had in mind worked, the contracts held and provided solutions for exceptional situations. Of course, there are also new findings that we will now evaluate and possibly put into clauses.
Other challenges await us at the moment in the area of renewable energies. It still seems to be a long way to standardisation, as was and is possible for conventional energies, as each member state is currently developing its own rules. This development harbours the risk of market fragmentation and makes cross border trading more difficult.
How do you see the future of the European energy market, and what potential challenges and opportunities do you anticipate?
I recognise the rapidly evolving landscape of the energy sector, with its numerous new regulations related to renewable energies or monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and revisions to existing regulations and directives, as both a challenge and an opportunity for my team at the LC Secretariat and me. In the early years, the primary focus of the Legal Committee was on standardising agreements to ensure consistency and clarity across the board. However, as the sector grows, our role has expanded significantly.
We are committed to equipping our Legal Committee members with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of trading in renewable products. This involves a thorough understanding of the resulting legal risks and implications. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support and training, enabling them to operate effectively and confidently in this dynamic environment.
What was your first job?
During my law studies, my first real jobs were in the film industry, working as an assistant costume designer and wardrobe assistant. My family, all of whom were involved in television or theatre, hoped I'd eventually choose a more "sensible" path!
Can you give us a peek into what’s on your bucket list?
On my bucket list are (to name a few points), a caravan journey from Bavaria to Scotland with my husband, attending the Scottish Open, learning Spanish, and a few wishes in relation to my children... Which I’m keeping unspoken, hoping they'll come true.