Toronto-listed financial services company Manulife has brought in Mike Coyne as its new general counsel, effective from September 1, to replace the retiring Jim Gallagher.
Coyne most recently served as senior fellow and litigation strategy advisor at the Bank Policy Institute, an advocacy and policy think tank for the world’s largest banking organizations. Prior to that, he worked as general counsel and senior legal officer for the Americas at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and spent more than 20 years at JPMorgan Chase & Co, rising to the position of senior vice president, associate general counsel and global co-head of litigation.
Phil Witherington, Manulife’s president and CEO, says: ‘Mike brings demonstrated ability to lead high-performing legal teams, navigate complexity, leverage transformative technology to optimize ways of working and advise boards and executive leadership with strategic clarity and sound judgment. His global perspective and passion for building an inclusive culture, as well as sponsoring, developing and coaching colleagues, will be invaluable as we write Manulife’s next chapter.’
In the US, Houston, Texas-based helicopter operator Bristow Group has announced that its senior vice president, general counsel, head of government affairs and corporate secretary Elizabeth Matthews has left the company, effective immediately.
In an SEC filing, the company says that Matthews’ departure ‘was not a result of any disagreement with the company or its board of directors or any matter relating to the company’s financials, operations, policies or practices’. It adds that it will restructure the position of senior vice president, general counsel and head of government affairs to be taken up by existing staff members, while Anne Rapold will take on the role of corporate secretary.
Matthews was recently appointed as an advisory board member for the NACD’s Texas TriCities chapter and serves as a board member of the National Petroleum Council.
Elsewhere, specialty construction supplies firm White Cap has announced the appointment of Christine Reddy as its new general counsel and corporate secretary.
With 30 years of experience, Reddy most recently served as executive vice president and general counsel for Beacon Building Products for four years. Prior to that, she held various legal roles at Fannie Mae and Public Broadcasting Service.
Alan Sollenberger, White Cap’s CEO, says: ‘Christine has spent her career building strong governance and compliance programs, supporting transparent and inclusive cultures, and serving with a business- and service-first mindset. We are pleased to add her counsel and expertise to the White Cap leadership team, and look forward to her impact leading legal services at White Cap.’
Nasdaq-listed internet service provider Shenandoah Telecommunications (Shentel) has brought in Angela Olsen as its new vice president – legal and general counsel.
According to a press release announcing the move, Olsen brings more than 25 years of legal experience across a range of industries. She previously worked as general counsel and corporate secretary at AquaBounty Technologies, senior advisor and associate general counsel at EI du Pont de Nemours and as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice.
Christopher French, Shentel’s CEO and president, says: ‘We are pleased to welcome Angela to Shentel. She is an accomplished legal professional with a deep understanding of corporate law and a strong track record of success.Her extensive experience will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build on our successful growth.’
Finally, ASX-listed alternative real estate investment manager Qualitas has appointed Madeleine de Garis to a newly-created role of head of transaction management and general counsel, investments.
With more than 17 years of experience as a finance lawyer, the last six as a partner at a top tier firm, Qualitas describes de Garis as ‘a highly valuable addition to the team’ on LinkedIn.
She adds: ‘I am thrilled to join Qualitas and be part of renowned team that is shaping the future of real estate investment. Leveraging my experience, I look forward to development best-in-class practices that will help the company as we enter the next phase of expansion and innovation.’