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As Jason Brown takes the helm of the world¡¯s largest organisation for in-house lawyers, he brings with him a contagious enthusiasm and a personal challenge to every in-house counsel. He shares his vision for the Association of Corporate Counsel with Sheryl Ubana

Jason Brown doesn¡¯t just talk about leadership, he radiates it. His words tumble out with warmth and conviction, and there¡¯s an unmistakable energy about him. The kind that makes you sit up a little straighter, sensing that this is someone who genuinely loves what he does. As he talks about stepping into his new role as president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), his enthusiasm isn¡¯t performative, it¡¯s contagious. He leans forward, laughs easily and punctuates his thoughts with the confidence of someone who believes every lawyer can lead change, if only they decide to.

It¡¯s a challenge, a mindset and perhaps the clearest window into the kind of leader Brown will be as he steps into his new role as president and CEO of the ACC, on 1 November.

After more than 25 years as a lawyer and leader, currently as vice president, general counsel and secretary at GE Appliances, a Haier company, Brown brings to the role not only experience, but a refreshing sense of purpose and momentum. He talks about the ACC¡¯s future with the enthusiasm of someone who¡¯s already envisioning packed conferences, inspired members and a stronger bridge between the organisation¡¯s global network and its fast-growing chapters in Asia. His laughter comes easily, but so does focus. ¡°We may not have all the answers,¡± he says with a grin, ¡°but we¡¯ll definitely have something to say about an answer for you.¡±

Brown¡¯s enthusiasm leaves a strong impression. One that suggests the ACC¡¯s next chapter will be anything but ordinary.

While based in the US, his career has been closely tied to Asia through his work with Haier, a Chinese-owned company. Under his leadership, the ACC aims to build deeper connections with in-house counsel across Asia, a region that already hosts thriving chapters in Hong Kong, India and Singapore.

His vision is built on engagement and enthusiasm, creating a membership experience where in-house counsel feel inspired, connected and equipped to meet global challenges such as AI governance and cross-border compliance.

Brown shares his plans for ACC¡¯s next chapter, his approach to expanding engagement in the region, and a rallying call that lingers long after the conversation ends: ¡°If it¡¯s not you, then who? And if it¡¯s not now, then when?¡±

As the world¡¯s largest in-house counsel organisation with more than 48,000 members in 117 countries, Brown sees the ACC¡¯s greatest strength in its origins. Paying tribute to his predecessor, Veta Richardson, advisory board member at the John L Weinberg Centre for Corporate Governance, Brown notes on his LinkedIn post that Richardson¡¯s stewardship has positioned ACC as a global authority for in-house lawyers.

¡°Building upon the great leadership of Veta Richardson, ACC will continue its strong foundation to advance the interests of in-house counsel around the globe,¡± he says.