Motto: Allow complexity
According to Manager Magazin, she is one of the 100 most influential women in German business – alongside Annalena Baerbock, Anahita Thoms was the only German to be included in the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders program last year.
The lawyer (Anahita Thoms is a partner at BakerMcKenzie and heads the international commercial practice in Germany) answered questions from around 25 participants in the China Club at the networking format for female managers at the VBKI, the Q&A lunch. SATELLITE OFFICE CEO Anita Gödiker reported on a highly interesting event.
The event, moderated by VBKI Vice President Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, was held under the somewhat unwieldy heading
“The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act: Challenges and solutions for industry and trade”.
Background: The law obliges companies based in Germany – usually with 1000 or more domestic employees – to observe human rights standards within their supply chains.
„Ich setze mich dafür ein, dass die Bekämpfung von Formen moderner Sklaverei bei Regierungen und Unternehmen oben auf der Agenda steht.“
Anahita Thoms | Partner at Baker McKenzie
A topic close to Anahita Thoms’ heart: “For me, sustainability means that Western companies must ensure compliance with these standards along their value chain. I am committed to ensuring that combating forms of modern slavery is at the top of the agenda for governments and companies.”
Behind every product are complex, often global supply chains. This makes it all the more important to keep an eye on the working conditions along these chains.
The rule of law and human rights have preoccupied the high-flyer from an early age: “I was lucky that my parents always encouraged me and we discussed a lot about topics such as the rule of law and human rights.”
Perhaps this influence contributed to Anahita Thomas taking on responsibility outside the law firm at an early stage: she became a board member of Atlantik-Brücke, an association that promotes closer cooperation between Germany and North America. Thoms is also involved with the American Bar Association and is a member of the national committee of Unicef Germany.
Anahita Thoms wants to build bridges – between business, politics, science and society. All in the interests of a more sustainable society. Ultimately, compliance with the Supply Chain Act is not just about compulsion, it is about enhancing a company’s reputation and image and enabling more sustainable and ethical business practices.
