Marks & Spencer promotes Chase to GC role as Ivens steps down
Retailer M&S promotes Chase to top legal job as Ivens retires
September 01, 2016 at 05:07 AM
2 minute read
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has appointed Verity Chase as its new general counsel (GC), following the retirement of Robert Ivens after 27 years in the role.
Ivens has been with the retailer since 1985 and has headed its legal team since 1989.
He is succeeded in the role by Chase, who joined M&S in 2010 from legacy Wragge & Co. She is currently director of commercial contracts.
Highlights of Ivens' time at M&S include steering the high street stalwart through attempted hostile takeovers by Topshop boss Philip Green in 2000 and 2004.
M&S turned to Slaughter and May for advice defending both takeover bids.
Amanda Mellor, group company secretary at M&S, said: "We wish Robert all the best. He has served M&S diligently for over 30 years and provided critical support to the business and the board. I am extremely grateful to him for his team planning to ensure a smooth succession and am delighted to say that Verity Chase will be promoted, taking up the role of head of legal in early September."
Earlier this month, media company Time Inc named Lauren Ezrol Klein as its new GC.
She succeeded Lon Jacobs in the role after having been deputy GC since 2014.
Other recent in-house appointments include software company Sage's appointment of Vicki Bradin as its new GC to replace Michael Robinson who will retire on 30 September.
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