Marlene Connolly Email & Phone Number

Ireland

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

As strategic legal advisor to Centrica, my current role focuses on M&A projects where I lead on acquisitions to enhance Centrica’s portfolio and accelerate our market penetration to energise a greener, fairer future, and strategic divestments to rationalise the efficiency of Centrica’s broad portfolio and return value to shareholders.

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

During my time as acting GC of Bord Gáis Energy, I led the team in successfully advising on many large projects including construction contracts for two new peaker power plants, the Kestrel Energy Storage Project, a joint venture relating to the development of an offshore wind project, and the renewal of our sponsorship of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre amongst others.

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Nurita`s proprietary platform targets, predicts and unlocks novel bioactive peptide ingredients from plants, delivering highly specific and life-changing benefits with the potential to transform human health and food sustainability.As Nuritas' first full-time Chief Legal Officer, I focus on the important & immediate to execute swiftly on strategic & contractual items in sales, marketing, I.P., board execution, HR and governance. Simultaneously I am building a pro-active, cross-functional… Show more Nurita`s proprietary platform targets, predicts and unlocks novel bioactive peptide ingredients from plants, delivering highly specific and life-changing benefits with the potential to transform human health and food sustainability.As Nuritas' first full-time Chief Legal Officer, I focus on the important & immediate to execute swiftly on strategic & contractual items in sales, marketing, I.P., board execution, HR and governance. Simultaneously I am building a pro-active, cross-functional legal eco-system to establish and implement processes and procedures to (i) automate revenue generation contractual paperwork & shorten the sales cycle, (ii) enhance the Intellectual Property strategy & execution, (iii) establish a comprehensive but proportionate governance framework embedding ESG principles in all areas up to board level, and (iv) demonstrating C-suite leadership in our Dublin HQ by engaging, collaborating and leveraging Nuritas' great talent! Show less

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Completed the Diploma in Company Direction which builds on the technical knowledge gained in the IOD Certificate syllabus covering finance, strategy, leadership & governance, and enables participants to contextualise and apply their knowledge and build their practical skills as Directors. This module provided a unique opportunity to put skills learnt in the certificate to the test as we acted as a board member to tackle a real-life boardroom scenario, mirroring in many ways the operation of a… Show more Completed the Diploma in Company Direction which builds on the technical knowledge gained in the IOD Certificate syllabus covering finance, strategy, leadership & governance, and enables participants to contextualise and apply their knowledge and build their practical skills as Directors. This module provided a unique opportunity to put skills learnt in the certificate to the test as we acted as a board member to tackle a real-life boardroom scenario, mirroring in many ways the operation of a board. Show less

As part of my pro bono contribution to the legal community, I am honored to have been selected to serve as a board member of ACC Europe which promotes the interests of in-house counsel across Europe through the sharing of information, education, networking, and advocacy while demonstrating innovation and leadership for the benefit of the profession.https://www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/europe I am also co-chair of ACC Europe's annual conference 2021 & 2022, organizing the largest… Show more As part of my pro bono contribution to the legal community, I am honored to have been selected to serve as a board member of ACC Europe which promotes the interests of in-house counsel across Europe through the sharing of information, education, networking, and advocacy while demonstrating innovation and leadership for the benefit of the profession.https://www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/europe I am also co-chair of ACC Europe's annual conference 2021 & 2022, organizing the largest gathering of in-house counsel across Europe annually - https://acceurope2022.com/ . Show less

Dublin 4, County Dublin, Ireland

• Partnered with sales team across EMEA and APAC to support $500M of annual sales revenue by effectively managing risk in negotiating contracts to facilitate recognizable revenue. Maximized efficiency and reduced sales execution cycle; Recognized as MVP (Most Valued Player) by the sales team. Managed relationships and balanced cost and risk exposure.• Selected as global General Counsel interim (2015 / 2016) to lead the global team of 15 lawyers through multiple acquisitions – Forcepoint by… Show more • Partnered with sales team across EMEA and APAC to support $500M of annual sales revenue by effectively managing risk in negotiating contracts to facilitate recognizable revenue. Maximized efficiency and reduced sales execution cycle; Recognized as MVP (Most Valued Player) by the sales team. Managed relationships and balanced cost and risk exposure.• Selected as global General Counsel interim (2015 / 2016) to lead the global team of 15 lawyers through multiple acquisitions – Forcepoint by Raytheon ($2BN), Stonesoft by Forcepoint ($400M), and company rebrand from Websense to Forcepoint in over 40 countries• Spearheaded global Go to Market rationalization project (2020) in collaboration with channel distribution team, finance, sales ops, and HR, analysing market data, revenue, investment costs, and commercial impact against legal and financial exposure in terminating distributors or employees in over 40 countries, resulting in a higher Return on Investment and consolidated, focused Go to Market execution globally• Led GDPR compliance project in 2017/ 2018 by engaging C-suite sponsors to champion cross-functional engagement to review, improve & document internal processes to meet & evidence compliance with GDPR• Led GDPR compliance project in 2017/ 2018 by engaging C-suite sponsors to champion cross-functional engagement to review, improve & document internal processes to meet & evidence compliance with GDPR• Appointed Chair of Forcepoint International Technology Ltd. (FITL) in 2017 to ensure that FITL’s operations and business execution were aligned with overall company strategy & to reinforce the robust governance structure required. Show less

Dublin, Ireland

Founder and Chairperson of the GC Forum within American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Ireland which now has over 40 GC members. The GC Forum was established to support best practices and promote ideas that influence and enhance policy within the legal remit of the multinational sector. Its membership is drawn exclusively from General or Lead counsel within US Multinationals and by invitation only. The forum's mission is to provide an independent, peer-led safe space for an open exchange of ideas… Show more Founder and Chairperson of the GC Forum within American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Ireland which now has over 40 GC members. The GC Forum was established to support best practices and promote ideas that influence and enhance policy within the legal remit of the multinational sector. Its membership is drawn exclusively from General or Lead counsel within US Multinationals and by invitation only. The forum's mission is to provide an independent, peer-led safe space for an open exchange of ideas and challenges by thought leaders in US multinational GCs in Ireland with a route into policymakers and opinion leaders to influence the position of Ireland as the global location of choice for US investment. The GC forum meets in camera to discuss topics of current or long-standing relevance to GCs. These discussions are aided by accessing expertise from within the Chamber membership where required. Show less

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland

• Led site closure of offices in Beijing (190 staff) and Poland (48 staff); negotiated with unions / works council and staff representatives to ensure a smooth exit on-time and within budget without any adverse reactions• Successfully defended a four-year long multi-jurisdictional law suit for $4M by a distributor• Led International legal team and worked with external legal & tax advisors to support Websense’s global entity re-organization by moving IP rights to Bermuda resulting in tax… Show more • Led site closure of offices in Beijing (190 staff) and Poland (48 staff); negotiated with unions / works council and staff representatives to ensure a smooth exit on-time and within budget without any adverse reactions• Successfully defended a four-year long multi-jurisdictional law suit for $4M by a distributor• Led International legal team and worked with external legal & tax advisors to support Websense’s global entity re-organization by moving IP rights to Bermuda resulting in tax savings of almost 50% internationally• Served as chair of International Structures Desk collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders (HR, Finance, Tax and Facilities) to oversee & implement cost-effective, scalable, tax compliant business development initiatives – e.g. new data centres, new offices, cash repatriation - that aligned with all stakeholder interests• Established entities in Dubai, Turkey, and Sweden by incorporating company, negotiating lease, agreeing contracts of employment, securing work visas, and complying with all local legislative requirements. Show less

• Set up the International legal team from “greenfield” site in Dublin as International HQ to support Websense's business needs in EMEA & APAC for commercial sales & professional services contract negotiation, HR & facilities, data centre roll out, corporate governance and compliance, litigation management and channel and distribution matters• Supported International dimension of SurfControl acquisition ($440M) including review of due diligence, transaction & financing documentation, smooth… Show more • Set up the International legal team from “greenfield” site in Dublin as International HQ to support Websense's business needs in EMEA & APAC for commercial sales & professional services contract negotiation, HR & facilities, data centre roll out, corporate governance and compliance, litigation management and channel and distribution matters• Supported International dimension of SurfControl acquisition ($440M) including review of due diligence, transaction & financing documentation, smooth transition / exit of SurfControl employees in 13 EU jurisdictions within budget and timeline, managed post-acquisition integration project to rationalise SurfControl portfolio (entities, distributors / channel partners, lease facilities etc.)• Developed the international legal team operating framework, reputation, and brand by regular attendance at sales kick off and QBR (Quarterly Business Reviews) throughout Europe, developing presentations and interactive workshops to sales teams, developing playbooks, FAQs and “cheat sheets”, constantly reviewing templates and internal processes to ensure relevance, scalability and efficiency, seeking and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to “smooth the bumps” for frictionless execution• Appointed to the board of Websense International in 2008 and significantly raised the profile of International board meetings leading to stronger corporate governance and better tax fact pattern Show less

Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24

• Introduced scalable, low-cost improved practices and template documentation to establish a fit-for-purpose legal ecosystem in a start-up environment as first General Counsel in Meteor, Responsibilities included negotiation of shop leases, distribution agreements, end user Ts & Cs, review of marketing materials, preparation of board packs and conducting board meetings, prompt filing of annual returns & governance & compliance requirements

St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2

Led Eircom’s Mergers and Acquisitions legal function successfully completing significant corporate M&A transactions including:• Meteor Mobile acquisition in 2005 for $540M (funded by largest European rights issue to shareholders, including US shareholders, hence SEC engagement & oversight)• Initial Public Offering on Dublin & London Stock Exchanges in 2004 raising $360M equity dealing with diverse debt / equity structuring issues, extensive negotiation with underwriters, bondholders and… Show more Led Eircom’s Mergers and Acquisitions legal function successfully completing significant corporate M&A transactions including:• Meteor Mobile acquisition in 2005 for $540M (funded by largest European rights issue to shareholders, including US shareholders, hence SEC engagement & oversight)• Initial Public Offering on Dublin & London Stock Exchanges in 2004 raising $360M equity dealing with diverse debt / equity structuring issues, extensive negotiation with underwriters, bondholders and banks, resulting in significantly reduced interest payments• Project managed Eircom’s exits from various non-core businesses - sale to a competitor (Golden Pages), Management Buy Outs, and liquidations, generating $250M proceeds Show less

Diploma In Chartered Director, Strategy, Governance, Leadership & Finance, Diploma

Accredited Mediator

This course taught me how to (i) settle disputes quickly & effectively, thereby saving management time; (ii) add value to commercial.

Practitioner Certificate In Data Protection (Pc.Dp), Data Protection

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Chartered Company Secretary, Icsa, Merit

Solicitor

Bachelor Of Laws - Llb, Law, Honours

Activities and Societies: Debating Society

Leaving Certificate, Honours