Verily, Alphabet's Precision Health Company, Appoints New General Counsel

Verily, Alphabet's Precision Health Company, Appoints New General Counsel

Alphabet's subsidiary Verily, focusing on precision health technology, has appointed Laura O'Donnell as its new general counsel. O'Donnell will be taking over the position previously held by Cynthia Patton, who departed earlier this year to join Tessera Therapeutics.

Bringing nearly two decades of in-house legal and compliance expertise in the global healthcare sector, O'Donnell joins Verily with a wealth of experience. Previously serving as the chief compliance officer at US drug and medical supplies distributor McKesson, O'Donnell played a key role in reshaping the company's regulatory and operational practices. Notably, she led transformative initiatives like the Covid-19 Executive Response Team and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act governance strategies. In her new role at Verily, O'Donnell will guide the company through the dynamic and ever-changing legal and regulatory landscape of the healthcare industry.

Alphabet is the parent company of global tech giant Goole.

Stephen Gillett, Verily's CEO, expressed his confidence in O'Donnell's appointment, emphasizing her extensive legal and compliance knowledge and her substantial experience in the healthcare industry. Gillett acknowledged O'Donnell's successful track record at renowned companies within the sector.

“Her deep experience in galvanising rapid company transformation and executing operational excellence across the enterprise will be a critical enabler for Verily as we further our precision health strategy,” Gillett said.

Before joining Verily, O'Donnell had a notable career trajectory in the healthcare industry. She spent slightly over four years at McKesson, following her tenure at GE Healthcare, where she held various legal positions for nearly 10 years, culminating in her role as chief counsel for global affairs.

Prior to her time at GE Healthcare, O'Donnell served as the chief compliance officer at the medical technology company Zimmer Biomet. She initiated her professional journey in 1996 as a lawyer in private practice at the esteemed firm Faegre Baker Daniels.

“I am excited to join Verily at an important time of growth for the company, as it continues to fulfil its mission to bring the promise of access to precision health to everyone, every day,” O’Donnell stated about her new role.