Sysco Corp., renowned as the world’s largest food distributor, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Kaplan Schott as its new chief legal officer, effective April 1. Schott, who has been serving as the general counsel at Illinois Tool Works Inc., boasts a robust career in the legal realm, having initiated her journey as a litigator in a prominent Chicago-based law firm. This transition places her at the helm of Sysco’s legal department, succeeding Eve McFadden who vacated the position last month after a tenure that began in 2019.
Schott’s contributions to Sysco come at a pivotal moment as the company navigates ongoing legal complexities, prominently featuring Sysco’s engagement with litigation funding, a mechanism increasingly utilized by corporations to finance legal battles. A specific focus has been on the developments around its relationship with Burford Capital, a major player in the litigation finance industry. Burford’s involvement has sparked discussions around the strategic utilizations and challenges inherent in third-party funding in corporate litigation.
This change in leadership forms part of a broader effort by Sysco to bolster its in-house legal capabilities, with Schott being one among nearly a dozen lawyers recently integrated into Sysco’s legal team. This strategic approach not only aims to enhance internal legal operations but also underscores Sysco’s commitment to effectively manage and navigate its litigation portfolio in alignment with broader corporate objectives.
For further details on Schott’s appointment and the implications for Sysco’s legal strategies amid its ongoing litigation finance efforts, visit the original report from Bloomberg Law.