General Counsel

Global Eagle is a leading provider of satellite-based broadband connectivity, television and entertainment services, content and data analytics to aviation, maritime, enterprise and government markets. Global Eagle offers a fully integrated portfolio of rich media content and high-speed connectivity solutions for airlines, private jets, cruise lines, commercial ships, super-yachts, ferries, enterprise, government and military installations worldwide with proprietary performance-enhancing technologies and exclusive access to premium media. With 1,500 employees on six continents and leading global satellite and ground networks, the company delivers exceptional service and concierge support to its customers.

Find out more at www.globaleagle.com.

Role Summary

 The general counsel is responsible for leading strategic corporate and commercial legal initiatives and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team.. The general counsel provides senior management with effective advice on company strategies and their implementation, manages the legal (corporate and commercial) and compliance functions, and oversees the work of outside counsel. The general counsel is directly involved in complex business transactions and critical contract negotiations facing its global business and workplace.  Responsible for overseeing all legal and compliance matters pertaining to the organization, including securities/SEC reporting, commercial transactions, corporate governance, M&A, executive compensation, litigation, intellectual property and employment law matters; and administrative oversight over the Head of Compliance, including his privacy and cybersecurity governance functions. Develops functional plans for managing legal matters, including activities to be performed in-house or through third-party relationships, to most efficiently manage the company’s legal activities and budget while minimizing risk for the business.

Key Responsibilities

Participates in the development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provides counsel and guidance on the legal implications of all matters
Serves as key legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, debt and equity financing, divestitures, joint ventures and major customer contracts
Orchestrates and executes the company’s quarterly Board of Directors and Committee meetings, facilitates new director orientation and assists with director training and development
Monitors corporate governance developments and assist the Board in tailoring governance practices to meet the Board's needs and investor expectations
Evaluates the merits of major claims filed against or on behalf of the company and develops litigation strategy in conjunction with senior management
Assumes ultimate responsibility for the company’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations facing its global business and regulated industries
Structures and manages the company’s internal legal and compliance function and staff (currently approximately 15 individuals)
Oversees the selection, retention, management and evaluation of outside counsel
Oversees employment and operational issues impacting the Company’s global workforce
Advises the Board and management on executive compensation and company equity strategy
Assists the company’s Investor Relations department with investor relations and stockholder engagement matters, press releases and investor materials
Provides mentorship and career development for the legal and compliance team
 

Qualifications/Experience

Experience as a GC or Deputy GC of a publicly traded, international company
Experience working on corporate governance matters and with a sophisticated board of directors
Experience managing other attorneys and support staff across multiple offices; experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources
Experience working in regulated industries
Familiarity and understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley and federal finance and accounting regulations
Experience in directing litigation strategy and overseeing litigation matters
Exposure to or familiarity with the following areas: employment, intellectual property (including licensing and IP portfolio maintenance), executive compensation/structures, cybersecurity, privacy, and commercial contract negotiations
Corporate background in securities and/or M&A preferred
Media & Entertainment, Telecom/Satellite and/or Aviation industry experience preferred
Skills/Interests

Customer/Client Focus
Collaboration Skills
Communication Proficiency
Leadership
Problem Solving/Analysis
Thoroughness
Time Management
 

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.