MLA Places Deanna Chechile as General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Bolt Threads

Hanover, MD (May 29, 2019) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world’s leading legal search firm, today announced the placement of Deanna Chechile as general counsel at Bolt Threads in Emeryville, California. The search was led by Carol Simon, managing director in MLA’s In-House Practice Group in San Francisco, and Nicole Lipman, partner in MLA’s In-House Practice Group in Palo Alto.

In her new role, Deanna will manage a small but growing team, advising on a variety of issues including strategic collaborations, M&A, joint ventures and partnerships as well as a wide variety of commercial interests. She will also be serving as corporate secretary and work alongside outside counsel to manage corporate matters as well as IP, litigation, employment, regulatory and any other additional legal matters. Bolt Threads is a privately-held materials innovation company that is leading the way in producing sustainable consumer goods on a global scale.

“Deanna Chechile comes to Bolt Threads with years of leadership experience in global consumer products  companies and also brings the creativity, energy and tremendous ‘can do’ spirit that Bolt Threads exemplifies,” said Carol Simon.  “It was a privilege to work with both Bolt Threads and Deanna, and we are delighted to have brought them together!”

Before joining Bolt Threads, Deanna spent the last 20 years in both corporate settings and private practice. She most recently served as senior vice president, business ethics officer and secretary at Shiseido Group and senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Bare Escentuals. Prior to moving in-house, Deanna was an associate with Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett and Shearman & Sterling.