Jade Droguett
NORTH CURL CURL,NSW
Summary
Accomplished senior legal executive with 20 years experience driving transformative change in publicly listed environments. Proven expertise guiding Boards and executive teams through complex M&A transactions, regulatory challenges, and enterprise risk management whilst delivering ambitious commercial outcomes.
Jade is recognised for building high-performing teams, championing diversity initiatives, and seamlessly integrating legal excellence with commercial objectives. Named 'In-House Lawyer of the Year' (2019) and selected as cohort representative on the Harvard Committee at Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program (2024), demonstrating peer recognition of exceptional leadership capability and business acumen.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
General Counsel, eComX, Strategic Partnerships and Competition
Woolworths Group Limited
01.2016 - Current
- Advised Woolworths Board and Executive Leadership on strategic projects, focusing on regulatory implications and risk mitigation strategies.
- Expert in corporate governance frameworks, ASX Listing Rules (incl. LR 3.1 continuous disclosure) and Corporations Act matters (incl. directors' duties), ensuring legal and ethical integrity.
- Executed legal strategy for major initiatives, including acquisitions of Petstock, PFD, MYD, and Quantium, integrating diverse businesses into Woolworths’ ecosystem.
- Developed legal frameworks for emerging business models, addressing regulatory challenges and commercial risk factors.
- Engaged with Treasury and ACCC on new Merger Laws, advocating for regulatory changes and creating innovative compliance frameworks.
- Provided critical advice as General Counsel across a diverse portfolio on corporate, consumer, and competition laws.
- Managed 14 lawyers across three specialist teams, promoting collaboration and professional development.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace.
Senior Legal Counsel
Fletcher Building Ltd (dual listed Aus and NZ)
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Delivered comprehensive corporate and commercial legal advice in consumer law, privacy, property, and dispute resolution.
- Negotiated critical supply, distribution, service, and consultancy agreements to mitigate risks.
- Broadened perspective on complexities across jurisdictions to inform strategic decision-making.
Senior Associate, Corporate
Ashurst Australia
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Led numerous public and private transactions, including schemes, takeovers, and significant private share and asset deals, showcasing extensive experience in complex financial transactions and strategic corporate structuring.
- Advised public and private companies on a broad range of corporate matters, including corporate structuring, ASX Listing Rules, ASX Corporate Governance Principles, Corporations Act, and general regulatory compliance, reinforcing deep expertise in governance and compliance.
Senior Legal Counsel (9 month secondment)
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (when it was listed, it is now part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners)
01.2013 - 09.2013
- Delivered strategic legal guidance across various legal matters including M&A, licensing, supply, procurement, distribution, and sponsorship agreements and trade promotions, showcasing adaptability in diverse commercial legal domains and stakeholder collaboration.
Lawyer
Gilbert + Tobin
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Advised on complex public and private corporate and commercial legal matters, including schemes, takeovers, acquisitions/sales, commercial contracts, structuring, ASX Listing Rules, Corporations Act, governance and regulatory compliance.
Education
Advanced Management Program -
Harvard Business School
11-2024
Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) -
University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice -
Admitted to the California Bar
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Contract negotiation
- Corporate Governance & Compliance
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Legal & Regulatory Expertise
- Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy
- Problem analysis
Achievements and Volunteering
- Awarded the In-House Lawyer of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards, 2019
- Mentor in the Diverse Women in Law Senior Lawyers Mentoring Program (2021-2022) & Ashurst Senior Women in Law program (2011-2015)
- Volunteer at the Redfern Legal Centre and Legal Aid, providing advice to women experiencing domestic violence (2010-2013)
Timeline
General Counsel, eComX, Strategic Partnerships and Competition
Woolworths Group Limited
01.2016 - Current
Senior Legal Counsel
Fletcher Building Ltd (dual listed Aus and NZ)
01.2015 - 01.2016
Senior Legal Counsel (9 month secondment)
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (when it was listed, it is now part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners)
01.2013 - 09.2013
Senior Associate, Corporate
Ashurst Australia
01.2010 - 01.2015
Lawyer
Gilbert + Tobin
01.2007 - 01.2010
Advanced Management Program -
Harvard Business School
Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) -
University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice -
Admitted to the California Bar
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