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Your Weekly Tip from a Recruiter: GCs Who do not Report to the CEO Are you looking for a new GC who will not report to the CEO? If so, you may have trouble finding candidates with prior GC experience. The GC reporting structure often signifies the level of importance the company assigns to the GC role. i.e.) If the GC reports to the COO or CFO, it may signify that the GC role is more reactive as opposed to a proactive business partner and advisor and less strategic. i.e.) If the GC does not attend the board meetings, it becomes difficult for the GC to proactively advise on matters and risk avoidance since he/she may not be aware that they exist. Most acting GCs will want to be included in the high level conversations, having a seat at the table and a direct line of communication to the CEO so that they can be most effective. With this said, a candidate who is looking for their first GC role, may be interested in such a role so that they can get their first GC role “under their belt.” Thinking about your GC reporting structure? Please reach out.
Could not agree with this more. Can you imagine your legal advice "filtering" through a CFO or a COO before it gets to the CEO? Or how much less of an impact you would have on the company's strategy when you are not in the room where decisions are made. It's a giant red flag as to how a company views the role and importance of a GC.
I have been the GC of 5 different companies and 90% of my time was spent with the CEO. It’s a critical reporting structure and relationship.
100% on the nose.
Huge red flag if the GC reports to the CFO/COO instead of the CEO. I will go as far as to say these are not true GC roles 😅
It depends on the CFO Or COO as well. They need to have experience in managing a legal function.
Yup, red flag every time. Almost impossible to comply with the ethics rules.
On point insights, Elizabeth Luening Long.
100% agree!
Senior Mobile Engineer @ PushPress
2mo...Am I the only one who had to Google what GC stands for?