Brad Smith, the Microsoft general counsel, has joined the board of streaming media company Netflix. Mr Smith has been Microsoft’s general counsel since 2002 and has been vocal in criticising government surveillance programmes. He was appointed with former Walt Disney executive Anne Sweeney.'We look forward to benefitting from Brad and Anne’s perspective as we continue to build our global Internet TV network,' Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who served on the Microsoft board for a number of years, said. 

Insurers ACE Group has promoted Dubai-based Susan McDonald to the role of regional general counsel for Eurasia and Africa. Ms McDonald, who is legal and compliance manager for MENA, will be responsible for overseeing the legal and compliance functions of ACE’s operations in Eurasia and Africa. She will report to Giles Ward, regional president for Eurasia and Africa at ACE and to Kenneth Underhill, general counsel for ACE in Europe, Eurasia and Africa.

US oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company TESARO has appointed of Joseph Farmer as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr Farmer most recently served as Vice President, Chief Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Cubist Pharmaceuticals where he led the corporate legal operations of a rapidly growing public company with multiple commercial and development stage products. Mr Farmer began his legal career at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault. He also served as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of AMAG Pharmaceuticals. He has extensive experience in the areas of corporate governance, compliance, intellectual property protection, licensing transactions, and corporate development. 

Canadian headquartered CHC Helicopter has appointed Hooman Yazhari as general counsel and chief administrative officer. Mr Yazhari served most recently as senior vice president and general counsel of International Lease Finance Corporation, one of the world’s top aircraft lessors. He also worked at aviation product and service provider Gategroup. Prior to that he started out as a solicitor in the London and Tokyo offices of Linklaters. He has also practiced at Chadbourne & Parke and was a founding director, general counsel and managing director of EM Health Limited. At CHC, he replaces Michael O’Neill as general counsel.

US company ARRIS Group has recruited its external lawyer Patrick Macken as its senior vice president and general counsel. Mr Macken leaves Troutman Sanders where he was as a partner in the firm's Corporate Group.In his new job, he will oversee all aspects of the company's global legal function and will report to ARRIS Chairman and CEO Bob Stanzione.