Global CLOs on Geopolitical Risk and Resilience: Leading Legal Through a World on Edge (Oct. 21, 2026)

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World on edge. Legal on point.

A look at how the most exposed legal departments in the world are closing the gap between concern and action.

Geopolitical risk isn't just another item on the list — it's THE item. According to ACC's 2026 Chief Legal Officers Survey, it's cited nearly three times more often than any other concern facing corporate leaders today.

But concern isn't the same as action. A separate ACC flash poll found that more than a third of organizations have taken no formal steps in response — and most haven't even updated the contract language they're relying on right now. That's the gap this conversation is built to close.

Why this Conversation Matters Now

This isn't a theoretical panel. Jason Brown sits down with CLOs operating inside some of the world's most demanding regulatory environments to talk candidly about what it actually takes to move from reactive to ready, including how legal departments are:

Moving from interpreting geopolitical risk to anticipating it

Breaking down silos, rethinking vendor and supply-chain exposure, and defining a data sovereignty posture

Building disclosure-ready response playbooks

Turning resilience into a genuine source of trust and opportunity

Join our expert panelists in this dynamic, thought provoking discussion.

Jason L. Brown (Moderator)

President & CEO

Association of Corporate Counsel

Jason L. Brown is the president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the world’s largest global legal association for in-house counsel. He leads ACC’s strategic vision and operations, advancing its mission to support, connect, and advocate for in-house legal professionals worldwide.

Prior to joining ACC, Jason served as vice president, general counsel, and secretary for GE Appliances, a Haier Company, based in Louisville, Kentucky. In this role, he was the company’s principal legal officer and chief compliance officer, responsible for the vision and execution of its global legal strategy. He also led all legal department activities, including corporate governance, security and crisis management, enterprise risk management, and government affairs.

Before GE Appliances, Jason was vice president, general counsel, and secretary for Dyson, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, overseeing all legal matters for the Americas region of the British technology company known for its innovative vacuum cleaners and hair care products. Earlier, he held senior legal leadership roles at MillerCoors, where, as associate general counsel, he co-led the commercial legal team and focused on marketing, sales, and regulatory matters.

From 2010 to 2012, Jason served as executive director of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). He also held legal leadership positions at Pepsi Beverages Company (formerly PepsiAmericas) and began his legal career in private practice at Winthrop & Weinstine in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, before joining the litigation group at Ungaretti & Harris in Illinois.

Jason currently serves as Board Chair of Legal Prep Charter Academy of Indianapolis, a recent expansion of the legal-themed charter school founded in Chicago, Illinois. He also serves on the Board of Visitors for the Howard University School of Law.

Jason earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and serves as president of the Howard University School of Law International Alumni Association.

Sandrine Auffret

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, & Company Secretary

ASML

Sandrine Auffret, ACC Global Board Director and a leader of the global in-house community, brings over two decades of international experience as an accomplished executive and General Counsel in the life sciences and semiconductor industries.

As EVP, Chief Legal Officer, and Company Secretary at ASML, she plays a key role in shaping legal and compliance strategy at one of the world’s leading technology companies, positioning her team as key strategic business partners to business stakeholders. Sandrine also chairs the ASML Community Partnership providing integrated governance on all company-wide community outreach activities,  to ensure ASML has a long-lasting positive impact on society. 

ACC Board of Directors

Dirk Naumann

Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President - Legal, Regulatory & Compliance

Orange Business

Dirk Naumann, ACC Global Board Director and a leader of the global in-house community, brings over two decades of international experience. With a career spanning legal and regulatory roles across Europe and the U.S., Dirk is a strong advocate for diversity, regional empowerment, and a clear global vision to drive sustainable business success.

As the Chief Legal Officer and EVP of LRC and a member of the Orange Business’ Executive Board, Dirk plays a critical role in shaping strategy, governance, and global operations. He leads a global team across 24 cities on five continents, overseeing all legal affairs as well as the group’s compliance, digital integrity, data protection, and corporate governance programs.

Prior to joining Orange, Dirk held a variety of legal and regulatory positions, including roles at a national mobile operator, a joint venture building mobile networks in several European countries, an energy supplier, and in private practice.

ACC Board of Directors