About the Organization – A Global Medical Technology Leader

Our client, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), is one of the world's largest and most respected medical technology companies, headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, with a significant operational footprint across Europe, including key offices in the United Kingdom. Founded over a century ago, BD employs approximately 75,000 professionals in more than 50 countries and is dedicated to advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and delivery of care. The company operates through three primary segments—BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional—serving hospitals, laboratories, healthcare providers, and patients worldwide. BD is publicly traded on the NYSE and consistently ranks among the most innovative and ethical healthcare companies globally.

The Opportunity

BD is seeking an accomplished, strategically minded legal leader to serve as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, based in London, UK, with global oversight responsibilities. This is a C-suite appointment reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a core member of the executive leadership team. The General Counsel will be responsible for leading all legal, compliance, and governance functions across the organization's worldwide operations.

This role represents a pivotal leadership moment for BD. The incoming General Counsel will step into a function that demands deep expertise in complex cross-border transactions, healthcare regulatory frameworks, intellectual property strategy, and corporate governance at the highest level. The successful candidate will be expected to act as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the broader executive team on all matters of legal risk, strategic transactions, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the global legal department, comprising teams across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, ensuring consistent legal strategy and operational excellence.
Oversee all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships, including due diligence, negotiation, regulatory approval processes, and post-transaction integration.
Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors and its committees on corporate governance matters, fiduciary duties, and executive compensation.
Develop and implement enterprise-wide compliance programs, including anti-corruption (FCPA/UK Bribery Act), data privacy (GDPR), and trade sanctions policies.
Manage all litigation, regulatory investigations, and dispute resolution matters, coordinating with outside counsel to achieve optimal outcomes while controlling legal spend.
Provide strategic legal counsel on product regulatory matters, including FDA, EMA, and MHRA submissions, clearances, and post-market compliance for medical devices and diagnostic products.
Oversee intellectual property strategy, including patent portfolio management, trademark protection, licensing agreements, and IP litigation.
Advise on employment law matters across multiple jurisdictions, including executive compensation, workforce restructuring, and labor relations.
Monitor and interpret evolving healthcare regulations, trade policies, and geopolitical developments that may impact BD's global operations and supply chain.
Build and maintain relationships with external law firms, regulatory authorities, and industry associations to advance BD's legal and policy interests.

Work Environment and Culture

BD fosters a purpose-driven culture rooted in its mission of advancing health for every patient, everywhere. The legal function operates as a true business partner, working collaboratively with commercial, R&D, operations, and finance teams. The General Counsel will join an organization that values integrity, inclusion, and innovation. The role involves regular interaction with senior executives and board members, requiring the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively to non-legal stakeholders. Travel will be required periodically to BD's global offices and for board meetings, industry conferences, and transaction-related activities.

Candidate Requirements

Qualified solicitor or barrister with active practice credentials in England and Wales, or equivalent qualification from a common law jurisdiction with eligibility to practice in the UK.
Minimum of 18–22 years of post-qualification legal experience, including significant time at a major international law firm and/or in a senior in-house counsel role within a Fortune 500 or FTSE 100 company.
Demonstrated experience leading a global legal function with teams of 50+ professionals across multiple time zones and regulatory environments.
Proven track record of managing complex, multi-billion-dollar M&A transactions from inception through completion, including private equity buyouts and cross-border acquisitions.
Deep knowledge of healthcare and life sciences regulatory frameworks, including medical device regulations, pharmaceutical compliance, and FDA/EMA/MHRA requirements.
Strong understanding of UK corporate governance codes, US securities law (SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley), and EU regulatory directives.
Experience managing relationships with the board of directors, including preparation for board meetings, drafting resolutions, and advising on director liability and disclosure obligations.
Exceptional leadership and people development skills, with a history of mentoring and retaining top legal talent.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional European languages (French, German, or Spanish) is highly desirable.
Willingness to travel internationally up to 20–25% of the time.

Technical and Professional Competencies

Expertise in contract lifecycle management systems such as Icertis, Agiloft, or similar platforms.
Proficiency with legal research tools including Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Practical Law.
Familiarity with e-discovery platforms (Relativity, Everlaw) and document management systems (iManage, NetDocuments).
Experience with compliance management software, such as NAVEX Global, SAI360, or EthicsPoint.
Knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks (COSO, ISO 31000) and their application to legal risk assessment.
Understanding of data privacy tools and platforms for managing GDPR and global data protection compliance.

Compensation and Benefits

ThisD offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with the seniority and scope of this role. The total compensation includes a base salary benchmarked against FTSE 100 and S&P 500 General Counsel peers, an annual performance bonus, long-term incentive awards (restricted stock units and performance shares), and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include private medical insurance for the executive and dependents, life assurance, pension contributions, executive health screening, and access to BD's employee assistance program. Relocation support is available for candidates moving to the London area.

Career Growth and Impact

ThisThis is a career-defining opportunity to lead the legal function of a globally recognized healthcare innovator at a time of significant industry transformation. The General Counsel will play a central role in shaping BD's strategic direction, influencing healthcare policy, and driving the company's next phase of growth. There is a clear pathway for expanded executive responsibilities, including potential future roles as Chief Administrative Officer or other C-suite positions within the organization. BD is deeply committed to diversity in leadership, and this appointment reflects the company's ongoing investment in building a leadership team that reflects the global communities it serves.

Application and Hiring Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The hiring process will consist of an initial screening interview with the executive search team, followed by meetings with the CEO, Chief Human Resources Officer, and members of the Board's Nominating and Governance Committee. Finalists will be asked to present a strategic vision for the legal function. BD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.