GC Appointments

Maureen A. Phillips has been appointed as senior vice president and general counsel of OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd. Phillips has years of experience in the insurance industry, including stints at St. Paul Travelers, Fairview Health Services and—most recently—Allianz Life Insurance, where she spent four years as chief legal officer.

Vito Peraino is the new general counsel and senior vice president of American Financial Group Inc., an insurance holding company based in Cincinnati. He previously held the post of senior vice president and assistant general counsel in the company's major insurance division. Before joining the company, Peraino spent 18 years in private practice.

Union Pacific Corp.'s board of directors has named Gayla Thal senior vice president – Law and general counsel. Thal has been with the railroad for nearly 32 years, most recently serving as vice president – Law and chief compliance officer. She also has prior experience in law, claims and risk management. Outgoing GC Michael Hemmer will remain in an advisory role until his official retirement later this year.

Other In-House Moves

After 31 years with Ford Motor Co., Peter Sherry Jr. is retiring from his post as general counsel and corporate secretary. Sherry joined the company as a staff attorney in 1980 and ascended to the GC spot in 2003. He was the lead attorney during Ford's acquisition of both Volvo Cars and Land Rover. His retirement will be effective on April 1, 2012, after which Bradley Gayton will assume the GC role.