Alternative room-rental company Airbnb has appointed a new general counsel to help steer it through its global expansion and mounting legal challenges. Former Ebay senior vice president Rob Chesnut will be stepping into the role, filling the place left behind by Belinda Johnson when she was promoted to chief business affairs and legal officer last year. Mr Chesnut has recently been serving as an adviser to Uber and car-sharing operator RelayRides, though he has ended his advisory roles to take up his new position.
Meanwhile, Fieldfisher partner Simon Cole has been recruited as general counsel for cash flow finance provider MarketInvoice. A banking and restructuring lawyer, Mr Cole began his career at Allen & Overy and worked fro Simmons & Simmons from 2006 and 20012, during which time he was seconded to the Royal Bank of Scotland. Mr Cole is replacing former GC Cynthia Ma who stepped down at the end of last year.
Intertek is bringing in Inchcape general counsel Mark Thomas as its own new legal head. Mr Thomas will take over from interim GC Joel Hanson who has been filling role since the exit of former GC Dan Williams. Mr William left Intertek midway through last year to become Wynard Group's new commercial manager. Inchcape has recruited Tui Travel group legal director Mike Bowers as its own new GC.
London-listed investment group Old Mutual is saying goodbye to longstanding legal chief and company secretary Martin Murray. Mr Murray announced last week that he will be retiring in June after more than 16 years with the company. A statement from Old Mutual confirmed that a succession plan for Mr Murray is under development, including reviewing internal candidates for the top legal job.
Finally, aircraft connectivity and travel media specialist Global Eagle Entertainment has appointed Stephen Ballas as its new senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. Mr Ballas joins GEE after a long career in corporate law, most recently including a stint as senior vice president and deputy general counsel for CBRE Group.
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