Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) recently announced Michael Degnan has been appointed chief legal officer, corporate general counsel. In addition, Sonia G. Cudd has been appointed secretary. Both appointments are effective March 31, 2013.
Degnan, who has served as GMCR's vice president, associate general counsel — operations since January 2011, replaces retiring chief legal officer, corporate general counsel and secretary, Howard Malovany. Malovany's retirement was previously announced on Dec. 18, 2012.
"After an extensive search and thorough selection process including external candidates, it was clear that Mike's strong history of business partnering and strategic thinking in support of the growth of the business made him the best choice for the General Counsel role," said Brian P. Kelley, president and CEO of GMCR, in a prepared statement. "Mike has a deep understanding of our business, its customers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders which will be critical as we work to take GMCR into its next phase of growth."
"On behalf of the entire GMCR team, I sincerely thank Howard for his support and counsel to the business over the last four years. We wish him the best in his retirement," Kelley continued.
Degnan originally came to GMCR through the acquisition of Keurig, Incorporated in 2006. He joined Keurig in 2004 as its corporate counsel, becoming vice president, corporate counsel and secretary in 2005 and adding the title of general counsel shortly thereafter. His experience prior to GMCR includes 11 years in private practice focused on general corporate and transactional law for two Boston law firms, Rich May, a professional corporation, and Craig and Macauley Professional Corp.
Prior to earning his law degree in 1993, Degnan worked as a banking officer for Bank of New England Corp. Degnan earned his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science, Finance from Boston College.
Cudd, who has served as GMCR's vice president, associate general counsel — corporate since April 2012, will continue to serve in that capacity while assuming additional responsibilities including secretary for the company.
Kelley concluded, "Sonia's deep governance and regulatory experience were well suited for the role of Secretary and will help ensure a smooth transition."
Cudd's experience includes 18 years of corporate, securities and governance practice with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, McCormick & Co. Inc. as well as with the law firms Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P. and Blank Rome L.L.P. She also served at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, Division of Corporation Finance. Prior to earning her law degree, Cudd worked as a financial analyst for Citicorp/Citibank.
Cudd earned her Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School. She also holds a B.A. in Finance and a B.S. in Economics from Hood College for Women.
