A big change for GC James Thompson—from cosmetics to construction

 GCP Applied Technologies Inc., which sells construction products technologies, has hired James Thompson has been appointed to the position of vice president, general counsel and secretary. He starts April 8. Thompson, with more than 30 years of experience, will lead the company’s global legal team and oversee all aspects of legal strategy, corporate governance, compliance, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and government relations.

Thompson has years of in-house experience, and a lot of it is at management level. He’s currently general counsel and chief of compliance at Avon Products, Inc., the beauty products company. Before Avon, he was GC Chiquita Brands International, Inc. And prior to that, he was G  at McLeodUSA.

“We are pleased to welcome James to GCP as our new General Counsel,” said Gregory E. Poling, GCP’s CEO. “His exceptional track record, business acumen and legal experience in complex global organizations make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Thompson received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.