IRI names new EVP and general counsel

CHICAGO – IRI on Tuesday announced that Susan Bennett has joined the company as EVP and general counsel. She will report to Andrew Appel, president and CEO IRI.

 

“Susan brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge that will be instrumental as IRI continues to expand the information, marketing, analytics and consulting services we offer, as well as increase penetration around the world,” Appel stated. “She has an outstanding track record and our management team looks forward to working closely with her as we execute our growth plans.”

 

Before joining IRI, Bennett served as SVP, general counsel and secretary for Culligan International Company, a private equity-owned water treatment business that employees 2,500 people worldwide and distributes products in more than 90 countries.  

 

In her role at Culligan, Bennett managed all global legal, compliance, intellectual property, health, safety and environmental, risk management, regulatory product certification and governmental affairs. She oversaw a team of 14 and external law firms worldwide. Under her leadership, Bennett guided Culligan through five ownership changes during 16 years and worked closely with two different private equity owners. She became VP, general counsel and secretary in 2003 and was named SVP in 2007.

 

Prior to joining Culligan, Bennett was assistant general counsel and assistant secretary of the Consumer Products Division of United States Filter Corporation, where she was responsible for the acquisition of multiple water treatment dealers. She joined Culligan after it was acquired by United States Filter Corp. in 1998. 

 

Earlier in her career, Bennett served as external counsel at Crawford, Sullivan, Read, Roemerman & Brady P.C. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a law firm AV rated by Martindale Hubbell’s peer review rating system. At the firm, Bennett was actively involved in all aspects of civil litigation, including employment, insurance coverage, insurance defense and products/tort liability matters.

 

“I look forward to applying my experience to help IRI achieve its growth plans,” says Bennett. “The company is on an exciting trajectory, and there are many opportunities for IRI to grow both in terms of the services we offer and in expanding our presence around the world.”

   

Bennett earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and was an Undergraduate Scholar Assistant, awarded to the top 1% of students. She earned her Juris Doctor degree with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law, where she served as associate editor of the Iowa Law Review and won the American Jurisprudence Award for Commercial Transactions.