Around the house

In the UK, Freemantle Media has hired Robin Chalmers as its new general counsel, replacing retiring general counsel Sarah Tingay. Mr Chalmers was previously BBC Worldwide's director of business and legal affairs, and will begin after Ms Tingay's retirement in September. He will be responsible for legal and commercial advice across global businesses within the TV company, including overseeing the company's IP rights. 

Clearing House has named Jeremy Newell as its general counsel of the trade group, which represents some of the largest financial institutions. Mr Newell, whose placement is effective immediately, joined the organisation in May 2013, and has served as the head of regulatory affairs, where he worked to shape the development of regulatory policy, strategy and advocacy for Clearing House. Mr Newell previously worked as counsel at WilmerHale in the regulatory and government affairs department, and he also worked as counsel at the Federal Reserve's legal division and its Banking Supervision and Regulation Division to the Board of Governors.

Weatherford International, a multinational oilfield service company, announced that Dianne B. Ralston will serve as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Her most recent positions include working with Schlumberger as Deputy General Counsel, Corporate, as well as Deputy General Counsel, Government Affiars and Litigation. She also acted as Director of Compliance, responsible for the development and management of Schlumberger's global corporate Ethics and Compliance Programme.

Dane Drobny was selected to be the general counsel for Groupon, taking up the position from July 7. Mr Drobny, who was most recently senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Sears Holdings will replace David Schellhase. Mr Schellhase will remain in the company as a strategic adviser.