MGP creates general counsel and corporate secretary post

MGP, a major supplier of bourbon, whiskey, distilled gin and vodka, has recruited Thomas Lynn to the newly created position of general counsel and corporate secretary.

Lynn specializes in counseling senior management teams and boards of directors of publicly and privately held companies, and was previously a partner with Stinson Leonard Street. In his role with the law firm, he worked on corporate finance and M&A transactions for a number of regional and national clients and became familiar with MGP, according to the company. He also has experience in advising publicly held companies, including MGP, on compliance with securities laws and with respect to corporate governance matters.

A Stinson Leonard Street spokesperson declined to comment.

‘As part of the continued growth and evolution of MGP, we created the position of general counsel,’ vice president and chief administrative officer Dave Rindom says in a statement. ‘This role will allow us to insource some of our legal needs, improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s legal function.’

As general counsel, Lynn has responsibility for commercial matters, litigation oversight, environmental matters, corporate compliance obligations, intellectual property and labor/employment laws, contracts and day-to-day legal matters. His corporate secretary responsibilities include counseling the board and senior management on matters relating to relevant federal and state securities laws, and assuring compliance with applicable corporate government requirements and best practices in conjunction with outside counsel.

‘As a critical member of our executive leadership team, [Lynn] will perform an important role in supporting MGP’s business goals and commitment to growth by providing counsel on issues of overarching importance to the company.  His previously acquired knowledge of MGP and our business operations is a big plus, and will make for a smooth transition to his new position here,’ Rindom adds.