Volvo’s IP officer leaves to head Harness Dickey
Law firm Harness Dickey has appointed former Volvo IP officer Ray Millien as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
During Millien’s almost 25-year legal career, he has served as in-house counsel across the automotive, energy, financial services and healthcare sectors, and he has gained experience in general practice and boutique IP firms.
He will replace the 100-year old firm’s first-ever CEO Bill Coughlin, who will become CEO Emeritus.
“I’m honoured that the firm’s executive committee selected me to build on Bill’s success,” said Millien.
“As CEO, I’ll not only practice with the finest IP lawyers but also will help Harness Dickey build on its long and preeminent history of serving the country’s most elite businesses, universities, inventors, artists and entrepreneurs. It’s the ultimate opportunity in the perfect place with the right people.”
Before his stint at Volvo, Millien led the IP function at GE Oil & Gas (now Baker Hughes), American Express and GE Healthcare. He has also served as general counsel at Ocean Tomo and practised IP law at DLA Piper and Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox.
Under Millien’s charge, the firm will focus on innovation and operational efficiency, utilising a work-life balance ideology inspired by Millien’s experience at the Swedish automaker, according to the firm’s announcement.
“Our firm is in the ideal position for me to entrust its leadership to someone with the acumen, ideas and energy to catapult us into the next stage of our growth,” said Coughlin.
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