Around the house

British American Tobacco regional general counsel for western Europe Benoit Belhomme has retired after more than 25 years with the company. His retirement comes just one month ahead of an expected decision from the European Court of Justice on the EU Tobacco Products Derivative, which is due on May 4. BAT has instructed Herbert Smith Freehills on the matter

Fortune 100 consumer health care and insurance company Aetna has recruited Thomas J. Sabatino Jr. from Hertz International Holdings to become its new executive vice president and general counsel. Mr Sabatino brings a wealth of medical and pharmaceutical product experience to the position, carrying Walgreen, United Airlines, Schering-Plough Corp and Baxter International as former employers. Hertz Global has named vice president and deputy GC Rick Frecker as interim general counsel until a permanent replacement for Mr Sabatino is selected.

Meanwhile, US insurer Nationwide has picked up outgoing USAA senior vice president and deputy general counsel Mark Howard as its own new chief legal officer. Mr Howard will replace outgoing Nationwide CLO Patricia Hatler from April 11. He will lead the company's trial, legal, government relations, compliance, corporate citizenship and corporate responsibility functions.

Chicago-headquartered CrossCheck Compliance has announced that Monika McCarthy will be coming on-board as managing director and general counsel. As Ms McCarthy is tasked with helping to boost the national profile of the company, she will be based away from its Chicago hub in southern California. She joins CrossCheck from Stonegate Mortgage.

Finally, Raymond James Financial has announced that Jonathan Santelli will replace incumbent Paul Matecki as general counsel and corporate secretary. Mr Santelli joins Raymond James from First Republic Bank, where has has most recently served as senior vice president and deputy general counsel. Mr Matecki is retiring after 27 years with the company.