Jason Brown, GE Appliances’ Top Lawyer, Named Next CEO of Association of Corporate Counsel
Posted by: Jinny
Created Date: 02 Sep
In a significant development for the global in-house legal community, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)—the world’s largest organization dedicated to supporting in-house lawyers—has announced that Jason Brown, General Counsel and Secretary at GE Appliances
In a significant development for the global in-house legal community, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)—the world’s largest organization dedicated to supporting in-house lawyers—has announced that Jason Brown, General Counsel and Secretary at GE Appliances, will become its next President and CEO, effective November 1. Brown will replace Veta Richardson, who has led the ACC for 14 years and announced her intention to step down in 2023, marking the end of a transformative tenure and the start of a new chapter for the organization.
The ACC’s decision to appoint Brown follows an extensive search process led by the organization’s global board, which prioritized candidates with a proven track record of leadership, a deep understanding of the in-house legal landscape, and a commitment to advancing the ACC’s mission. Brown’s credentials align closely with these priorities: at GE Appliances, he has led the legal department through a period of digital transformation, implementing cutting-edge technologies and processes that have improved efficiency, reduced risk, and enhanced the department’s ability to support the company’s business objectives. This experience is particularly relevant as the ACC looks to address the evolving needs of its members, who increasingly rely on technology to navigate complex legal challenges, from data privacy compliance to cross-border litigation.
Cristina Gonzalez, Global Board Chair of the ACC and Chief Legal Officer at Staples, praised Brown’s appointment as a strategic move that will benefit the organization’s global membership. “Jason brings a unique blend of leadership, innovation, and hands-on experience as an in-house counsel to this role,” Gonzalez said. “His work at GE Appliances, Dyson, and other major companies has given him a front-row seat to the challenges facing in-house legal teams today—from managing regulatory change to building diverse and inclusive teams. Additionally, his long history of service to the ACC, including his work with the Chicago Chapter and the Global Board, means he understands our organization’s culture and our members’ needs at a deep level. We are excited to see the impact he will have as CEO.”
Brown’s career in in-house legal leadership is distinguished by a focus on strategic collaboration and innovation. Before joining GE Appliances in 2018, he served as General Counsel for Dyson’s Americas division, where he was responsible for overseeing all legal matters in the region, including intellectual property, contract negotiation, and compliance with U.S. and international regulations. During his time at Dyson, he played a key role in supporting the company’s expansion into new markets and the launch of innovative products, demonstrating his ability to align legal strategy with business growth. Prior to Dyson, Brown held the position of Associate General Counsel at MillersCoors, where he managed a team of attorneys focused on corporate governance, labor and employment law, and dispute resolution. His first role as an in-house counsel was at Pepsi Beverages Company, where he served as Director of Legal—a position that allowed him to develop a foundational understanding of how in-house legal teams can add value to their organizations beyond traditional legal advice.
Brown’s connection to the ACC extends far beyond his professional experience. As a longstanding member of the organization, he has actively contributed to its growth and development at both the local and global levels. He previously served on the board of directors for the ACC’s Chicago Chapter, where he helped organize events and programming designed to support in-house counsel in the region. Later, he was elected President of the Chicago Chapter, a role in which he expanded outreach to small and mid-sized companies, increased participation in diversity initiatives, and strengthened partnerships with local law schools and legal organizations. He also served on the ACC’s Global Board of Directors, where he contributed to the development of the organization’s global strategy, including initiatives focused on mental health awareness, legal technology, and advocacy for in-house counsel rights. His contributions to the legal profession have been recognized with numerous honors, including being named one of the “Most Influential Black Attorneys in America” by Savoy Magazine in 2015, 2018, and 2022—a distinction that highlights his role as a leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal industry.
In a statement following his appointment, Brown shared his vision for the ACC, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and member-centricity. “The ACC is more than just a membership organization—it’s a community of legal professionals who support one another, share knowledge, and drive positive change in the industry,” Brown said. “My goal as CEO is to build on the strong foundation that Veta and the team have created by fostering even greater collaboration among our members, investing in innovative programming and resources, and advocating tirelessly for the interests of in-house counsel worldwide. We live in a time when legal teams are being asked to do more than ever before—from advising on ESG strategies to navigating the ethical implications of AI—and the ACC must be there to provide the support, tools, and guidance our members need to succeed.”
As Brown prepares to assume his new role, the ACC community is also reflecting on the legacy of Veta Richardson, whose 14-year tenure as CEO has been marked by growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to in-house counsel. Richardson, who announced her plans to step down in October 2023, gave the ACC a full year’s notice to ensure a smooth transition—a decision that underscored her dedication to the organization’s long-term stability. During her leadership, the ACC expanded its global membership to include tens of thousands of in-house counsel from more than 100 countries, launched award-winning educational programs, and strengthened its advocacy efforts on issues critical to in-house legal teams, such as attorney-client privilege, regulatory reform, and work-life balance.
Richardson’s career before leading the ACC also reflects her deep commitment to the legal community. Prior to joining the ACC as CEO in 2011, she served as Executive Director and President of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), where she worked to increase representation of diverse attorneys in corporate legal departments and law firms. Before that, she held roles at the ACC as Vice President of Legal Resources and Deputy General Counsel, giving her a unique understanding of the organization’s operations and its members’ priorities. This background allowed her to hit the ground running when she became CEO, and she quickly established herself as a trusted leader who prioritized the needs of in-house counsel.
In reflecting on her time at the ACC, Richardson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization and highlighted the role of the ACC’s staff, board, and members in its success. “Serving as CEO of the ACC has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” she said. “Our staff has worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional value to our members, from high-quality educational events to resources that help them navigate complex legal issues. Our board, chapter leaders, and members have been instrumental in shaping our strategy and ensuring that the ACC remains relevant and impactful. I will always be grateful for their trust and support, and I will cherish the relationships I’ve built here.”
Looking ahead to her post-ACC career, Richardson has ambitious plans to stay engaged in the legal and academic worlds. She intends to serve on the boards of corporations, where she can leverage her expertise in legal leadership and corporate governance. She will also teach at Georgetown University Law Center, one of the nation’s top law schools, where she will share her insights on in-house practice, legal leadership, and career development with the next generation of lawyers. Additionally, she plans to write a sequel to her bestselling book, Take Six: Lessons for Leading a Legal Department, which has become a go-to resource for in-house counsel looking to advance their careers. Richardson noted that she also plans to pursue “other passions and interests,” though she did not elaborate on specific projects.
The transition between Richardson and Brown is expected to be a collaborative one, with both leaders working together in the months leading up to November 1 to ensure that the ACC’s operations remain seamless and that its strategic priorities are maintained. For ACC members, this transition represents a commitment to continuity and growth—building on the progress made under Richardson’s leadership while embracing new ideas and initiatives under Brown’s guidance. As the legal industry continues to evolve, with trends like AI, remote work, and global regulatory complexity shaping the way in-house counsel operate, the ACC’s new leadership is well-positioned to support its members through these changes.
In the broader context of the legal profession, the ACC’s leadership change is a reminder of the critical role that in-house counsel play in driving business success and shaping the future of law. With Brown at the helm, the ACC is poised to remain a leading voice for in-house legal professionals, advocating for their interests, providing them with the tools they need to excel, and fostering a community that values collaboration, innovation, and diversity. As the organization enters this new chapter, it carries with it the legacy of Veta Richardson and the promise of a future guided by Jason Brown’s vision—one that will continue to empower in-house counsel to thrive in an ever-changing world.
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