Karen Gally

Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Professional Overview

Karen Gally is a seasoned legal executive with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. As the Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.), she oversees all legal and compliance matters, providing strategic guidance and effective risk management to support the organization's growth and operational excellence.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role as Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Karen is responsible for leading the legal and compliance functions at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.). She provides strategic counsel to the executive leadership team, ensuring the company's operations and business initiatives align with relevant laws and regulations. Karen also serves as the Corporate Secretary, advising the Board of Directors on governance matters and facilitating effective communication between the board and the management team.

Under Karen's leadership, the legal department has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of various business transactions, including licensing agreements, mergers, and acquisitions. Her industry expertise and proactive approach to risk management have been instrumental in enabling the company to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and seize new market opportunities.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Karen served in various legal positions at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.), including Associate General Counsel and Senior Director/Director of Corporate Counsel. In these roles, she demonstrated her ability to provide comprehensive legal support, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, managing litigation, and advising on intellectual property matters.

Before joining Otsuka, Karen was an Associate Attorney in the Healthcare practice at Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., where she gained valuable experience in healthcare-related legal matters, including regulatory compliance, transaction structuring, and litigation.

Academic Background

Karen holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where she graduated with honors. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Areas of Expertise

• Pharmaceutical industry regulations and compliance

• Corporate governance and board advisory

• Commercial transactions, including licensing, mergers, and acquisitions

• Intellectual property management and litigation

• Healthcare-related legal matters

• Strategic risk management and mitigation

Professional Impact

Under Karen's leadership, the legal department at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.) has been instrumental in facilitating the company's growth and expansion. Her contributions have been recognized by the industry, and she has been invited to speak at various legal and compliance conferences, sharing her insights on best practices in the pharmaceutical sector.

Conclusion

With her extensive legal expertise, strong industry knowledge, and proven track record of success, Karen Gally is a valuable asset to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.). She continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the company's strategic objectives, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of ethical and responsible business practices.