I’m Sunnie Wiersma-Gracela, a long-time in-house legal counsel and GDPR/compliance specialist in technology environments, with a strong track record of advising business teams on legal and regulatory matters across Europe and beyond. I support commercial deal-making, intellectual property and contracting, employment-related questions, and data protection initiatives—always with practical risk mitigation and clear stakeholder communication. I also work at the intersection of law and emerging technology: I’ve been forward-deployed as a data trainer for a global AI technology company on legal matters, and I’m experienced in governance, incident response planning, DSARs, and DPIAs. Fluent in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Dutch, German, Cantonese; French/Italian at business level), I collaborate effectively with local and global teams, and I’m known for building and maintaining robust legal and regulatory compliance frameworks while supporting senior management and the board.

Sunnie Wiersma-Gracela

I’m Sunnie Wiersma-Gracela, a long-time in-house legal counsel and GDPR/compliance specialist in technology environments, with a strong track record of advising business teams on legal and regulatory matters across Europe and beyond. I support commercial deal-making, intellectual property and contracting, employment-related questions, and data protection initiatives—always with practical risk mitigation and clear stakeholder communication. I also work at the intersection of law and emerging technology: I’ve been forward-deployed as a data trainer for a global AI technology company on legal matters, and I’m experienced in governance, incident response planning, DSARs, and DPIAs. Fluent in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Dutch, German, Cantonese; French/Italian at business level), I collaborate effectively with local and global teams, and I’m known for building and maintaining robust legal and regulatory compliance frameworks while supporting senior management and the board.

Available to hire

I’m Sunnie Wiersma-Gracela, a long-time in-house legal counsel and GDPR/compliance specialist in technology environments, with a strong track record of advising business teams on legal and regulatory matters across Europe and beyond. I support commercial deal-making, intellectual property and contracting, employment-related questions, and data protection initiatives—always with practical risk mitigation and clear stakeholder communication.

I also work at the intersection of law and emerging technology: I’ve been forward-deployed as a data trainer for a global AI technology company on legal matters, and I’m experienced in governance, incident response planning, DSARs, and DPIAs. Fluent in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Dutch, German, Cantonese; French/Italian at business level), I collaborate effectively with local and global teams, and I’m known for building and maintaining robust legal and regulatory compliance frameworks while supporting senior management and the board.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
Dutch
Fluent
German
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Italian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Data Trainer & Legal Expert at SuperAnnotate
October 1, 2024 - Present
Forward-deployed data training support for a global AI technology company, with emphasis on legal and regulatory considerations relevant to AI and data handling. Provides practical guidance to ensure training activities align with applicable legal frameworks and governance expectations.
EMEA Legal Counsel and DPO at Burckhardt AG
June 1, 2022 - September 30, 2024
EMEA legal counsel and data protection officer supporting EU/Switzerland compliance needs. Advises business stakeholders across corporate governance and privacy matters, including assessments, incident response planning, DSAR handling, and DPIAs.
Sr. Counsel and Data Protection Specialist at Schneider Electric SA
January 1, 2015 - April 30, 2022
Responsible for data protection and broader legal/commercial advisory support within a global technology environment. Provides GDPR and regulatory guidance, supports compliance initiatives, and advises on legal risks and contracting-related issues.
Global Contracts Advisor (Interim Basis) at Siemens AG
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Interim contracts advisor working in an EMEA context. Supported contracting and legal guidance across business stakeholders, with focus on commercial agreements and governance around delegation thresholds.
EMEA Legal Counsel and Contracts Manager at Lexmark Intl SA
July 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Led contract management and legal support in Geneva. Provided practical guidance on commercial contracting matters and supported business teams with legal and regulatory issues.
Sr. Partner & Contract Manager (Interim Basis) at Sunrise Communications AG
October 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
Interim contract leadership in Zürich, supporting commercial contracting activities and legal guidance to business stakeholders.
Legal / Procurement / Sales roles (various) at Nokia Siemens (2008-2010); Royal Dutch Shell (2000-2008); Sony Corporation (1989-2000)
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 2010
Built foundational experience across legal, procurement, and commercial functions in multinational settings in the Netherlands, and earlier in Hong Kong with Sony Corporation. Developed negotiation, contracting, and stakeholder management skills through varied roles.

Education

AI Legal Specialist Certification at University of Oxford - SBS, UK
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Fintech Specialist Certification at University of Oxford - SBS, UK
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
LLM - International Program Laws at University of London, UK
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Economics (study) at University of Oxford, UK
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1995
MBA (Negotiations and Contract Law) at Heriot-Watt University, UK
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

UK AI Legal Specialist Certification
January 1, 2021 - August 31, 2026
UK Fintech Specialist Certification
January 1, 2012 - August 31, 2026
LLM - International Program Laws
January 1, 2008 - August 31, 2026
MBA (Negotiations and Contract Law)
January 1, 1995 - August 31, 2026

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Professional Services, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Education, Non-Profit Organization