Matthias Ziegler

Senior Manager @ Mars | Government Affairs, Stakeholder Management & Engagement, Reputation Management, External & Internal Communications

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

About

I have over 15 years of experience in Corporate Affairs, working for multinational companies in various sectors, such as food, tobacco, and Biotech. My core competencies include stakeholder engagement and management, reputation management, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, issues management, events, and communications (internal and external, including media relations). I have successfully implemented corporate communication campaigns, acted as a spokesperson for media and public, and organized CSR activities and events. I am a team player, a conscientious and enthusiastic leader, and a fluent speaker of three languages (English, German, and French).

Experience

  • Corporate Affairs Manager Austria & Switzerland at Mars
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    Pet Nutrition, Snacking, and Food & Nutrition Segments • Lead corporate affairs strategy and execution across Austria and Switzerland, aligning initiatives with business objectives for all three segments. • Develop and implement integrated public affairs plans, engaging with political stakeholders, industry associations, and advocacy groups to promote organizational interests. • Define, execute, and assess communication strategies, crafting compelling messages and storytelling to enhance brand reputation and stakeholder engagement. • Serve as corporate spokesperson, managing media relations and external communications to ensure consistent messaging. • Oversee internal communications, fostering employee engagement and aligning internal messaging with corporate goals. • Lead sustainability communications efforts, highlighting environmental and social responsibility initiatives. • Strategically plan and activate corporate, trade, and brand PR campaigns, including social media management, to amplify brand visibility and reputation. • Manage issues and reputation risks proactively, ensuring effective crisis response and mitigation. • Coordinate and manage cross-functional projects at local, regional, and global levels, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder alignment.

  • Full-time Parent at Professional Break
    Dec 2023 - Nov 2024 · 1 yr

    Daddy Time

  • Senior Government Affairs and Policy Manager at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease at AstraZeneca
    Mar 2021 - Nov 2023 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    - Engagement with Alexion's external political and policy stakeholders - Lead strategy discussions and communication efforts with key government officials relating to legislation, regulation, pricing/reimbursement and other policy initiatives - Analyze and develop recommendations and strategies regarding policy and price/reimbursement issues impacting Alexion's portfolio - Internal engagement and communication; Project management of events and activities with cross-functional Collaborative External Engagement team (together with GM, Patient Advocacy, Comms, MAC, Medical and Legal) - Monitoring, identifying, assessing and communicating legislative and regulatory policy risks - Issues and Reputation Management

  • Media, PR and Communication Consultant & Photographer at APP Start-Up & Hallo Deutschschule
    Apr 2019 - Mar 2021 · 2 yrs

  • Corporate Communications Manager | Internal & External Comms | Spokesperson | Reputation Mgmt | CSR at British American Tobacco
    Mar 2018 - Dec 2018 · 10 mos

    - Internal and External Communications - Act as BATs spokesperson for media and public - Prepare the content of media and regulatory engagement communication toolkits - Implement corporate communication campaigns in line with corporate brand guidelines - Work in close collaboration with the legal team on all matters which entail reputational aspect - Plan and organize activities of the BAT Foundation, including the organization of internal and public events - Manage company’s littering program