MLA Places Kathy Leo as Chief Legal Officer at Wella Company

Hanover, MD (March 21st, 2024) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, has announced the placement of Kathy Leo as the chief legal officer at Wella Company, the innovative global beauty company.  The search was led by Dimitri Mastrocola, partner, and Pamela Salling, managing director, with MLA’s In House Counsel Recruiting team in New York and Basking Ridge.  

As chief legal officer, Kathy will manage Wella’s global legal affairs and partner with the CEO and leadership team to shape legal strategy and ensure Wella is positioned for a successful exit. She will offer legal guidance to the senior executive team on a wide range of strategic and tactical issues, lead all in-house legal activities, IP management and provide practical advice on a wide range of matters.

Commenting on the appointment, Dimitri Mastrocola said: "Kathy is an exceptionally talented attorney and exactly the right fit for Wella’s chief legal officer role. With deep expertise across securities law, M&A, intellectual property, compliance, litigation management, and more, she will provide strategic legal guidance as Wella continues its strong growth trajectory. We are confident that Kathy will provide indispensable leadership and counsel to drive Wella Company's ambition to become the world's premier beauty company. This placement showcases MLA's strength in connecting top legal talent with leading PE-backed companies like Wella, facilitating their growth and success."

Kathy joins the company from Chobani where she was chief legal officer and general counsel.  She brings a strong cumulative skill set, including legal leadership roles at Gilt Groupe, United Media and Primedia.  In addition, Kathy serves on the board of directors for Restaurant Technologies and is a founding member of Extraordinary Women on Boards.

Kathy earned her Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law and her bachelor's degree from Tulane University.