Mark Califano. Courtesy photo.

Mark Califano has been named chief legal officer and regional managing director of the Americas for Nardello & Co., effective this week.

The global investigations firm, which is based in New York, welcomed Califano in an announcement Thursday. Califano comes to Nardello from The American Express Co. where he served as senior vice president and managing counsel and since 2011 was in charge of the company's global litigation and government investigations.

“I'm thrilled to be a part of the kind of work I've always enjoyed doing,” Califano said in a phone call soon after his hire was announced. “This is a company with an incredibly solid reputation. They see opportunity for growth over the next few years, and I'm here to make sure we do that.”

Recently, at American Express, Califano was tasked with leading the charge in a major antitrust case brought by 11 states against the credit card company over its alleged “anti-steering” provisions, which the states claim prevent merchants from promoting the use of other credit cards with lower fees. Oral arguments in the case Ohio v. American Express were heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in February.

Califano said his transition to Nardello following the conclusion of arguments in the case was by design. “This had been in the works and I wanted to make sure we could have the argument submitted for decision,” he said. “My work was sort of done.”

Califano declined to comment on what he anticipates the high court's decision, expected in June, will be.

He also worked with the company on global investigations on issues involving potential money laundering or other fraudulent or criminal activity.

At Nardello, Califano replaces Lucy Fato, who joined American International Group Inc. as its general counsel last year.

“Mark's diverse background and experience make him superbly qualified for this position, and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber join the firm's leadership team,” CEO Dan Nardello said in Thursday's announcement. “Mark's wealth of experience with complex global investigations, compliance, corporate governance and cybersecurity will add immediate value to the firm. The depth and breadth of his skill sets and accomplishments, coupled with his proven legal acumen and judgment, will help our clients navigate their most complex challenges.”

Prior to joining American Express, Califano served as senior VP and head of litigation and legal policy at General Electric Capital Corp.

Before going in-house, he led the independent investigation into the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program from 2004 to 2006. There, he reported to Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve. The team identified systemic corruption in the UN program that allowed Iraq to sell oil internationally in exchange for food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies.

The investigation, Califano said, was what kicked off “the explosion” of many associated Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prosecutions near the end of 2005.