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Karen Hale

Karen Hale

Chief Legal and Compliance Officer for Novartis

Novartis•Basel Metropolitan Area, Switzerland

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Experience33+ Years
LevelCXO

Executive Overview

At Novartis, we’re reimagining medicine, and I’m proud to lead the Global Security & Legal and Ethics, Risk & Compliance functions, as we work together to bring that vision to life.​ These teams are trusted partners and strategic enablers, helping to navigate complexity, manage risk and clear the path for breakthrough medicines to reach patients—efficiently, ethically, and in line with the highest standards.​ What makes this journey truly meaningful is the collaboration. By bringing together different perspectives and aligning around a shared purpose, we strengthen trust and make an even greater impact in people’s lives.

Career Timeline

Professional employment history
  • NovartisCurrent
    May 2021–Present· 5 yrs 5 mos
    • Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Member of the Executive CommitteeCurrent
      Apr 2025–Present
    • Chief Legal Officer and member of the Executive Committee
      May 2021–Apr 2025
  • AbbVie
    2013–Mar 2021· 8 yrs 2 mos
    • Vice President, Deputy General Counsel
      Oct 2019–Mar 2021
    • Vice President, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
      Sep 2013–Sep 2019
    • Vice President, Litigation and Legal Specialty Operations
      2013–Sep 2013
  • Abbott
    Apr 1997–Dec 2012· 15 yrs 8 mos
    • Divisional Vice President, Commercial Litigation
      Oct 2006–Dec 2012
    • Senior Counsel, Patent Litigation
      Sep 2005–Oct 2006
    • Senior Counsel, Litigation
      Sep 2004–Sep 2005
    • Diagnostics Ethics and Compliance Officer
      Sep 2002–Sep 2004
    • Counsel, Litigation
      Apr 1997–Sep 2002
  • Sidley Austin LLP
    1994–1997· 3 yrs
    • Counsel, Labor & Employement
      1994–1997
  • United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
    1993–1994· 1 yr
    • Clerkship
      1993–1994

Education

Doctor of Law - JD

Law

William & Mary Law School

Bachelor's degree

Economics

Duke University

Executive Relationship Map

Reports To
Karen Hale
Vice Chair & President
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Executive Network Preview

BizKonnect has mapped this leadership network including reporting hierarchies, peer connections, and cross-functional relationships.

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Skills & Expertise

19 of 19 skills
Cross-team CollaborationEthicsAntitrust LawCorporate GovernanceProduct LiabilityLeadershipU.S. SEC FilingsCommercial LitigationHealthcareInternal InvestigationsAcquisition IntegrationStrategyLabor and Employment LawInnovative Problem SolvingCriminal InvestigationsCollaborative LeadershipLitigationFraud InvestigationsRegulatory Compliance