Power Moves: The Latest Legal Appointments in Top Corporations

From Krispy Kreme to ByteDance - big brand names are adding new legal talent to their rosters.

John Rogovin has joined ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of TikTok, as the new Global General Counsel, following his decade-long tenure as Chief Legal Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. His appointment comes as ByteDance faces a critical lawsuit against the US government over legislation requiring the company to sell its TikTok stake or risk a ban, amid concerns over its Chinese connections. ByteDance disputes the law as a First Amendment violation. TikTok's CEO Shou Chew expressed confidence in Rogovin's ability to navigate these challenges. Rogovin succeeds Erich Andersen, who will continue as Special Counsel to ByteDance and report to CEO Liang Rubo.

Stephen Simcock, formerly the lead consumer-banking lawyer at JPMorgan Chase, has been appointed General Counsel of fintech company SoFi Technologies, succeeding the retiring Rob Lavet. Simcock brings nearly a decade of experience from JPMorgan Chase, complementing his previous work at Citigroup, and will oversee legal matters, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance at SoFi. CEO Anthony Noto emphasized Simcock's financial expertise and leadership as vital for SoFi's ambitions to scale up in the fintech sector. This move underscores SoFi's dedication to leadership that aligns with its culture and values, continuing its growth trajectory in the digital financial services industry.

Atiba Adams will join Krispy Kreme as Chief Legal Officer on June 25, 2024, bringing over 20 years of legal experience from roles at Mars, Pfizer, and Bausch + Lomb. Reporting to President and CEO Josh Charlesworth, Adams' appointment is part of Krispy Kreme's strategy to bolster its leadership team. Charlesworth praised Adams' expertise in public company legal matters and the confectionery industry. Adams, enthusiastic about the role, aims to support Krispy Kreme's growth and success. He holds a B.A. from Millersville University and a J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Rob Berntsen has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Xcel Energy, succeeding Amanda Rome, who held the position on an interim basis. With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, Berntsen brings extensive legal and business expertise, crucial for Xcel Energy's commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service during its clean energy transition. Previously, Berntsen held senior roles at BHE Renewables, MidAmerican Energy Company, MISO, and the Iowa Utilities Board. He also served as a captain in the U.S. Army's JAG Corps, with a deployment to Iraq. His educational background includes a juris doctor from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University.