Hallmark has promoted deputy general counsel Erin Kobler to chief legal officer, replacing Jill Marchant who is leaving the company to relocate closer to her family.

Kobler returned to Hallmark in July last year having departed in 2018 to join what is now known as Oracle Cerner, a health information technology platform, where most recently she was head of human resources.

At Hallmark, she will be responsible for all legal matters impacting the Hallmark stable of brands.

Kansas City-based Hallmark produces greeting cards and also owns cable television company Hallmark Channel and crayon and art supplies-maker Crayola, among other businesses.

Mike Perry, Hallmark president and CEO, said: “Our brand exists to help people live caring, connected lives full of meaningful moments, so when she [Marchant] shared the news of her departure, I could not think of a better reason for her to leave. She has made a tremendous impact as the company’s top legal advisor.”

He added: “As Jill’s successor, Erin not only brings a long track record of career success in private law practice, the corporate legal field and senior human resources roles, but she also knows Hallmark, its businesses and its culture well.”

Hallmark promoted Kobler to deputy GC last October, three months after she rejoined the company from Oracle Cerner as associate GC.

During her first spell at Hallmark – which lasted more than seven years – she held a number of roles, including human resources director, assistant GC and senior attorney. Her first in-house role was at tax advisers H&R Block, having previously worked in private practice at Stinson Morrison Hecker and Sullivan Higdon & Sink.

Marchant exits after seven years with Hallmark, having previously been GC at Farm Credit Mid-America and Texas Roadhouse, associate GC at DineEquity and Applebee’s, and senior counsel at Honeywell FM&T. She also worked in private practice at Morrison & Foerster.

Writing on LinkedIn, she said: “What an honour and privilege it has been to serve these two iconic brands [Hallmark and Crayola] as they put more care and colour into the world – helping people connect to their feelings, to each other and to the joy of creativity.

“I will forever be cheering on these purpose-driven businesses and their collective mission to make the world a better, more caring and more beautiful place. I will cheer for the Hallmarkers and Crayolians who give their all and their hearts every day to their work, their communities and each other. I will miss so many, especially the talented team of professionals I was privileged to lead and serve alongside.”