Olivier Straub

Government Affairs & Public Policy Leader | Geopolitical Affairs | OECD BEPS | Sustainability | 25+ Shaping Regulatory Outcomes in Maritime, Tax and ESG

Geneva Metropolitan Area

About

Senior government affairs and public policy leader with 25+ years of experience driving strategic outcomes at the intersection of regulation, geopolitics and global business. Currently Group Government Affairs Director at MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (world's largest container shipping company, 155+ countries), I advise C-suite on regulatory risks across Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. I shape policy positions across OECD, UN and EU frameworks and secure institutional support for strategic investments in emerging markets. As Secretary General of the Swiss Shipowners Association since 2019, I reinforced the Association's strategic influence through leadership of consultations on tonnage tax framework and Swiss maritime strategy. I enhanced institutional visibility and strengthened coordination among members on regulatory developments. As Vice-President of GEM (Groupement des Entreprises Multinationales) and Chair of its Public Affairs Commission since 2021, I coordinate Swiss-level policy positions for multinational corporations on ESG regulatory frameworks, corporate due diligence and OECD BEPS Pillar Two implementation. TRACK RECORD: • Secured institutional approvals and regulatory support for strategic investments in emerging markets • Navigated complex geopolitical crises including Red Sea shipping disruptions, Gulf of Guinea piracy and evolving sanctions regimes • Reinforced Swiss Shipowners Association strategic influence through leadership of consultations on tonnage tax framework and Swiss maritime strategy • Coordinated multi-jurisdictional tax compliance across OECD BEPS Pillars 1 and 2 for global shipping operations • Strengthened institutional alliances with OECD, IMO, EU Commission and Swiss federal authorities EXPERTISE: Geopolitical Risk & Crisis Management | International Tax Policy (OECD BEPS) | Sustainability & ESG Frameworks | Institutional Engagement (OECD, UN/IMO, EU) | Regulatory Intelligence | Maritime Policy & Trade | Emerging Markets Strategy (Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia) Published author on EU VAT systems and corporate real estate taxation. Member of the Paris Bar. Sciences Po Paris (Economics & Finance). Panthéon-Assas University (Master in Business Law & Taxation). INSEAD Executive Education. Always open to meaningful conversations at the intersection of policy, regulation and global strategy. The opinions expressed in this profile are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the entities he belongs to.

Experience

  • MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (15 yrs 6 mos)
    • Group Government Affairs Director
      Jan 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 7 mos

      Drive government affairs strategy for global shipping leader operating in 155+ countries, supporting the Group’s interests across OECD, UN and EU processes and in emerging regions including Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Shape public policy positions and manage high level institutional engagement with Swiss federal authorities and international bodies. Coordinate tax policy across multi-jurisdictional corporate structure (OECD BEPS Pillars 1 and 2, global tax reform). Advise C-suite on regulatory risks and geopolitical developments affecting worldwide operations (Red Sea Crisis, piracy in Gulf of Guinea). Secured institutional support for strategic investments and business development initiatives in emerging markets (Bangladesh, Mozambique, Indonesia).

    • Group Tax Officer
      Feb 2011 - Jan 2017 · 6 yrs

  • Secretary General at Swiss Shipowners Association
    Jun 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 2 mos

    Represent Switzerland’s maritime sector before Swiss federal authorities, EU stakeholders and UN/IMO bodies. Reinforced the Association’s strategic influence through leadership of consultations on tonnage tax framework and Swiss maritime strategy. Enhanced institutional visibility and strengthened coordination among members on regulatory developments.

  • Vice-President & Chair Public Affairs Commission at GEM - Groupement des Entreprises Multinationales
    Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

    Lead Swiss-level policy engagement representing multinational corporations on sustainability, responsible business conduct and tax policy. Chair the Public Affairs Commission coordinating collective positions on ESG regulatory framework, corporate due diligence and OECD BEPS Pillar Two. Strengthened alignment among global companies operating in Switzerland on priority regulatory developments including supply chain transparency and climate disclosure.

  • Global Indirect Tax Director at JTI
    Jun 2008 - Dec 2010 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Director VAT at KPMG
    Apr 2004 - Jun 2008 · 4 yrs 3 mos