Television broadcasting company Graham Media Group has announced the appointment of Michael Storm, formerly of The Walt Disney Company, as its new vice president and general counsel.
In his new role, Storm will oversee all legal matters for Graham Media, providing strategic counsel on corporate operations, employment and labor relations, regulatory compliance and business development initiatives.
The company adds that he brings ‘extensive experience in media law, talent and entertainment contracts, and labor relations from his distinguished career’ at Disney, where he served as senior counsel for the company’s entertainment division.
Previously, Storm served as labor relations manager for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Prior to joining Disney, Storm practiced labor and employment law at Fisher Phillips LLP.
Elsewhere in Florida, car rental firm Hertz has hired Piero Bussani as its new chief legal officer, replacing general counsel Katherine Lee Martin, who left the company in August.
He joins the Nasdaq-listed company from residential housebuilder Homebound, where he also served as chief legal officer. Bussani brings more than 30 years of legal and business leadership experience across a range of sectors, Hertz says in a press release.
Gil West, CEO of Hertz, says: ‘Piero brings strategic thinking and operational experience as we continue to transform Hertz. He brings a track record from complex, consumer-focused companies, from high-growth start-ups to large-scale enterprises and understands how to lead legal functions that enable the business to move with speed and discipline. I’m confident he’ll be a strong partner to our leadership team as we execute on our strategic priorities.’
In Washington, mortgage company Fannie Mae has promoted Tom Klein to its new acting general counsel. He replaces Danielle McCoy, who is leaving the firm.
Klein has been with the company for more than 20 years, most recently serving as deputy general counsel for Fannie Mae’s Enterprise arm. In his new role, he will report to acting CEO and COO Peter Akwaboah.
‘As a current deputy general counsel, Tom’s legal responsibilities include corporate tax strategy, mortgage products and the capital markets portfolio – all of which are critical to the business,’ says William Pulte, chairman of Fannie Mae’s board.
Finally, homeware designer Helen of Troy has announced that its chief legal officer and secretary Tessa Judge is resigning from her role at the end of November to pursue another opportunity.
According to the company’s 8-K filing with the SEC, the decision ‘was not the result of any disagreement with the company’. Helen of Troy also adds that it ‘expresses its appreciation to Judge for her contributions and leadership since joining the company’.