This week, the former general counsel of United Airlines was named company president. Amid the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, Brett Hart assumes his new role as president at United, almost five years after his leadership was tapped during another crisis for the Chicago-based airliner.

In fall 2015, United's new CEO, Oscar Munoz, had a heart attack that led to a heart transplant. As Munoz took medical leave, United depended on Hart to be CEO in the interim. At the time, GCs rarely ascended to the CEO spot. Hart eventually became the chief administrative officer, a role that United won't fill after Hart vacates it to become president.

Though United had announced the succession plan in December, Hart's appointment shows what could be a more natural elevation for a lawyer within the C-suite: GC to CAO to president. With the novel coronavirus pandemic impacting legal department moves in the short term, it may also produce more C-suite promotions for top lawyers based on how they demonstrate their skills during the crisis.

In 2019, Corporate Counsel covered the trend of GCs transitioning to CEOs. But the transition from GCs taking on the CAO role, or similarly the chief operating officer role, then possibly the president role has seen less attention.

The GC of Atlanta-based claims management firm Crawford & Co. was named company president amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Joseph Blanco, who will assume his new position this week, spoke with Corporate Counsel about the coronavirus impact on his company and in his industry.

Dallas-area fintech firm Blucora recently gave chief legal officer Ann Bruder the added roles of CAO and corporate development officer.

"Ann's exemplary leadership prior to and during the COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on our business," said Blucora CEO and president Chris Walter in a statement. "Ann's positive influence on the organization will increase with her expanded role."

Other examples include H&R Block and Ford Motor Company with GCs who are also CAOs. The former American Apparel GC became the CAO right before becoming the CEO and described the continual role transition to Corporate Counsel last year. When current Airbnb CLO Rich Baer also became CAO at his former company Liberty Media, he told Corporate Counsel last year that he would manage talent acquisition.

"They are very different roles. I don't think the legal profession is known for its ability to develop talent," he said. "I've had to learn about this over the years. I've had the benefit of working with some immensely talented CEOs and boards over the years who have taught me how to think about talent, hiring, development and leadership. That has been a challenge just to simply learn it."

How do you see your role evolving due to COVID-19? Please let me know at [email protected].

 

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What I see within that nationalism is a change in the supply chain. There's still a need to have global commerce—and I think that's what we'll be able to facilitate.

- Todd Goffman, the new GC at Globalization Partners, a Boston-based firm that aims to make it easier for companies to expand into foreign countries.

What's Happening

 

 

Amazon Still Feeling Burn of COVID-19 Firing

Amazon.com GC's remarks last month about fired warehouse worker and protest organizer Chris Smalls were "unfortunate," according to the tech giant's head of operations Dave Clark in an interview with "60 Minutes" on CBS that aired Sunday.

GC David Zapolsky had described Smalls, who is black, as "not smart, or articulate," according to leaked internal notes. He also said that Amazon's press relations team will beat Smalls in the media with the message of "simply explaining for the umpteenth time how we're trying to protect workers."

The GC said in an earlier statement that his remarks came from being "frustrated and upset" over Smalls allegedly violating company policy by returning to work after being exposed to a co-worker who tested positive for COVID-19.

 

CCPA 2.0 Closer to Election Ballot

There's a ballot initiative supported by in-house counsel that could strengthen the California Consumer Privacy Act.

The California Privacy Rights Act aims to regulate large companies that collect large amounts of data. The initiative now has the 900,000 voter signatures it needs to be considered to be on the ballot during the November general election in California.

Californians for Consumer Privacy, the group heading the initiative, said the signatures now have to be verified by the counties and approved by the California Secretary of State.

Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

 

Corporate Counsel's Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards awards deadline for submissions is July 8.

We are looking for general counsel and law firm partner applicants in the following categories:

Crisis Management: Industry – General Counsel Banking & Finance Insurance Transportation & Infrastructure Manufacturing & Chemicals Technology, Media & Telecom Retail & Consumer Goods

In-House & Law Firm Awards Innovative Leadership Thought Leadership Collaborative Leadership Women's Legal Awards General Counsel of the Year/Managing Partner of the Year Lifetime Achievement

If you know a general counsel or law firm partner who qualifies for a WIPL award, then please apply here.

Best Legal Departments

 

Corporate Counsel's Best Legal Departments awards deadline for submissions is June 15.

We are looking for general counsel and in-house legal department applicants in the following categories:

U.S. Legal Department of the Year

Compliance Department of the Year

Startup Solo GC of the Year

>Best Use of Technology

General Counsel of the Year

Best Deputy or Associate GC

Champion of Diversity Award

Best Legal Ops Team

Outstanding Community Service Award

If your general counsel and legal department qualify for a Best Legal Departments award, then please apply here.

On the Move

 

 

Smitha Mortis is the new GC at fintech mobile app maker Branch. The Minneapolis-based company hired Mortis, formerly the Klarna US GC, in December but announced the move this month. Mortis, who's working remotely in D.C., spoke about adjusting to her new role in the COVID-19 crisis.

Zoom Video Communications has hired Jonathan "Josh" Kallmer as the head of global public policy and government. The Information Technology Industry Council's executive vice president of policy joins Zoom as the San Jose, California company's video conferencing app attracts millions of daily participants during social distancing and shelter-in-place measures. Zoom also is facing lawsuits and regulatory concerns related to privacy and security issues.

Fintech company Robinhood named a former commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to be its next CLO. Also the former GC of drugmaker Mylan, Daniel Gallagher will begin his role later this month and work in Washington, D.C. for the Menlo Park, California company. He steps in for Anne Hoge, who served as CLO since November but will be leaving to care for a sick family member.