Orange deputy GC takes up GSM Association top legal post

The trade organisation for the global mobile phone industry has hired a new general counsel to revamp its legal department.

The GSM Association (GSMA) poached Meg Charles from Orange Business Services in Washington DC.

Charles, who took up the post in January, said the GSMA was "evolving", adding: "I'm still assessing, but clearly the legal department will be aligned with the mission and the strategy of the GSMA as a whole. That's a major part of my job."

The GSMA represents more than 700 mobile phone operators across the globe, including China Mobile, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

It helps its members launch wireless services in emerging markets and promote new technology in existing markets.

Charles added: "We do a lot of work in the health area, making sure that accurate information is provided about any health effects associated with the use of mobile technology."

Charles takes over from David Walsh, who has been acting general counsel since the departure of Della Burnside last year to become head of legal at McDonald's.

Walsh will return to his post as a senior in-house lawyer at the GSMA.

Charles was deputy general counsel at Orange Business Services before accepting the new position. She will take over a legal team of seven.

"In this role I'll be at the table and have an opportunity to contribute to the leadership of the organisation," she said.