Interview with Máire Barr
General Counsel Europe at Kellanova
WHERE DOES THE STORY START?
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?
I grew up in Cavan with a fairly typical upbringing, but one of the earliest influences on my career probably came from working in family businesses. My mother ran her own cleaning supplies company and, from the age of eight, I was answering phones, helping with
deliveries, and stock-taking. It gave me a very real understanding of how business works – the hustle, the customer focus, and the fact that money from customers paid the bills. That early exposure shaped my work ethic and my appreciation for practical, grounded business thinking.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A LAWYER?
I didn’t start out with a clear plan to
qualify. After my degree, I joined Quinn Direct Insurance and quickly moved into a team leadership role in the claims team. It was fast-paced and challenging, and I loved it. I realised that qualifying as a solicitor would allow me to keep doing the work I enjoyed while opening up broader opportunities. That experience taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone –and that’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I’m general counsel for Kellanova Europe, leading a brilliant legal team of 22 across multiple markets. I also sit on our European executive leadership team, helping to shape strategy and drive growth across iconic brands like Kellogg’s, Pringles, and Cheez-it. My role spans legal leadership, crisis management, and strategic business input – from M&A to contracts, employment law to advertising law, to guiding the business through major disruptions like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. It’s dynamic, challenging, and genuinely rewarding.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
I’d describe my leadership style as grounded in partnership. I believe the best results come when people feel trusted, empowered, and part of something bigger. I focus on creating space for others to succeed, being clear on expectations, and showing up consistently – especially when things get tough. Collaboration is at the heart of how I lead, both within my team and across the business. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about asking the right questions, making decisions with imperfect information, and building influence through relationships and credibility.
“‘Don’t wait until you feel ready. Say yes and figure it out as you go.’ That advice changed my career. Growth happens when you stretch, and being slightly out of your depth is often exactly where you need to be.”
WHEN YOU ARE HIRING FOR YOUR TEAM, WHAT ATTRIBUTES DO YOU LOOK FOR?
Beyond technical expertise, I look for curiosity, accountability, and common sense. I want people who ask thoughtful questions, listen to understand, and take ownership. Collaboration is key – how stakeholders experience you matters. And good judgement is underrated. Legal training helps, but instincts and practical thinking go a long way.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG IN-HOUSE LAWYER STARTING OUT?
Start by being curious – not just about the law, but about the business, the people, and how things really work. The more you understand, the more valuable you’ll be. Build strong relationships early; your impact often depends on how well you connect with others. Learn to communicate clearly and simply – it’s one of the most powerful tools you’ll have. And don’t wait to feel ready before stepping up. Say yes, lean in, and trust that you’ll figure it out. Finally, treat everyone with respect – how you show up matters just as much as what you know.
DO YOU HAVE SOMEBODY IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER TO BE A MENTOR?
Yes, I’ve been lucky to have had several mentors over the years. One of my most trusted is a senior leader on our executive committee – she’s a sounding board for
big decisions and career reflections. I’ve also had other brilliant mentors within Kellanova, many of whom have gone from mentor to friend. And I had to ‘fire’ one of my best mentors when he became my boss –but I still turn to him for perspective and challenge.
DO YOU MENTOR
ANYBODY AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING A MENTOR?
I mentor a few people across Kellanova, and I absolutely love it. It’s a chance to pay it forward, but I also learn so much: about other parts of the business, fresh perspectives, and what matters to the next generation of leaders. Seeing someone you’ve mentored succeed is incredibly rewarding.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME – IF YOU HAVE ANY SPARE TIME?
Spare time definitely exists, but how I spend it is a constant recalibration. Between work and family, it’s always shifting, and some weeks feel more balanced than others. Right now, most of my spare time is with my family – I’ve got a six- and an eight-year-old, so weekends are all about being present. Coaching my daughter’s GAA team helps me connect with her and the community.
And for myself? Pilates, coffee with the girls, and if I manage to book a massage, that’s my version of meditation.
WHAT’S ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
Japan is top of the list – for the culture, the food, and the contrast. Iceland is also up there: somewhere with space, nature, and no schedule.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WERE EVER GIVEN?
‘Don’t wait until you feel ready. Say yes and figure it out as you go.’ That advice changed my career. Growth happens when you stretch, and being slightly out of your depth is often exactly where you need to be.
Máire coaches her daughter’s GAA team
Iceland
Japan is top of Máire’s bucket list
GENERAL COUNSEL SUMMIT: INSPIRING IN-HOUSE LAWYERS
There was a full house for the first General Counsel Summit, held in June at the Law Society, and it provided an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with other in-house lawyers from all over Ireland.
The summit’s theme ‘Career Journeys, Leadership and Lessons Learned’ eloquently captured the breadth of conversation, openness, and contribution that in-house legal professionals make in their business. The guest speakers were Máire Barr, general counsel, Europe at Kellanova, Diarmaid Cunningham, chief administrative officer and general counsel at ICON, and Elaine Fox, head of Ireland and head of privacy Europe at TikTok.
Four ‘rising stars’ brought additional depth to the conversations as they shared their different pathways into in-house roles and their experiences and
reflections within the business. All four have exciting careers ahead: Emma Maher, group senior legal counsel at Flutter Entertainment, Dan McNamara, senior legal counsel (M&A) at CRH, Eanna O’Donnell, EMEA regulatory counsel at Stripe, Danielle O’Riordan, associate general counsel at Interactive Brokers Ireland.
Two guest speakers have kindly given time to share their in-house career and experience again. Their interviews are shared in this magazine.
The feedback from attendees at the first GC summit has been extremely positive. The following page highlights some quotes and testimonials from attendees.
A second GC summit has been confirmed and will take place on Tuesday 25 November next at the Law Society. If you would like to attend, please email: inhousenetwork@lawsociety.ie
Further details on the guest speakers to follow.
GC SUMMIT FEEDBACK
“All the speakers were inspiring. So lovely to listen to their stories and also to meet so many other in-house lawyers there.”
“I found it to be an excellent gathering, with inspiring stories shared. There was also lots of opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues. Really well done.”
“Great general counsels and ‘rising stars’ sharing invaluable nuggets of inspiration! Quote of the day: ‘Don’t wait until you are ready’.”
“Thank you very much for organising a really brilliant event. Some of my colleagues attended, and I know that they found it really insightful and worthwhile – I think there is a huge appetite for more of these kinds of events for the in-house community.”
You can see highlights from the event in this short video.
‘ADAPTING AND THRIVING IN TRANSFORMATIVE TIMES’
8 October 2025 is approaching fast: book your ticket for the annual In-House and Public Sector Conference.
This year’s annual In-house and Public Sector Conference will take place on 8 October 2025 from 9.30am to 1.15pm. The conference is focused on the theme of ‘Adapting and Thriving in Transformative Times’ and will explore the role of the in-house lawyer in a dynamic global landscape. It will be chaired by Alison Bradshaw of the Law Society’s In-house and Public Sector Committee, who is also head of enterprise, tech and transactions legal at AIB. It is organised by Law Society Professional Training in conjunction with the In-house and Public Sector Committee.
This conference follows on from the Public Sector Careers Symposium in May. The symposium shone a light on the fantastic opportunities open to solicitors who want to build careers in the public sector.
The vice-chair of the Law Society’s In-house and Public Sector Committee, Róisín Magee, chaired the event, while Judge Peter White of the District Court chaired a panel discussion. The speakers and panellists included Catherine Pierse (Director of Public
Prosecutions), Fiona Woodyatt (deputy assistant Chief State Solicitor), Margaret Kelleher (parliamentary counsel, Office of the Attorney General), and Cathal Ryan (deputy commissioner, DPC).
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
• Joanne Ross, group general counsel, Kerry Group plc
• Donna O’Leary, solicitor and principal consultant at DOL Consultancy
• Brian Connolly, director of responsible AI, regulatory and compliance Europe at Lead (Accenture)
• Damien Moynagh, group general counsel and company secretary, Greencore Group plc
• Tara Doyle, partner, Matheson
3.5 hours’ professional development and solicitor wellbeing (by group study) are available for attendees of this conference. A networking breakfast opportunity is available to all attendees from 8.45 to 9.30am.
UPCOMING LAW SOCIETY EVENTS AND COURSES
8 OCTOBER
‘Adapting and Thriving in Transformative Times’, the annual In-house and Public Sector Conference CPD: 3.5 hours professional development and solicitor wellbeing (by group study).
5 NOVEMBER
Business Law Committee annual update conference CPD: 2.5 general, 0.5 client care and professional standards.
5 NOVEMBER
Employment Law Committee Webinar: ‘Employment Law for All Practioners’ CPD: 3.5 general by eLearning
12 NOVEMBER
Sustainable High Performance for In-House Counsel, with Ronan Harrington CPD: 1 professional development and solicitor wellbeing (total 1 hour by e-learning).
13 NOVEMBER
Environmental and Planning Law Committee Annual Update Conference CPD: 3 general (by group study)
25 NOVEMBER
AI for today’s lawyer: Technology Committee Conference CPD: 1.5 professional development and solicitor wellbeing; 1 general and 0.5 client care and professional standards.
CPD: DIPLOMAS AND MICRO-CREDENTIALS
A sample of diplomas on offer include:
• Diploma in Technology and IP Law,
• Diploma in Finance Law,
• Diploma in In-House Practice (launching in Spring 2026).
A full list of diplomas/certificates is available on the Law Society website.
Micro-credentials are short, focused courses designed to equip participants with both legal expertise and practical skills. There is a diverse range of 20 courses on offer, including:
• Data protection,
• Banking and finance,
• Commercial leasing, and
• Artificial intelligence.
WHERE DOES THE STORY START?
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?
Well the story starts in Athlone! However, I moved to Dublin during my college years, earning my BCL from UCD. I then went on to complete my LLM in Trinity. I began my career in private practice, spending over a decade working as a solicitor with two leading Irish law firms, Philip Lee and Eversheds Sutherland. After that, I made the move in-house, joining Meta as associate general counsel. It was an exciting shift! Working at the heart of a major tech company gave me the chance to combine my legal expertise with my passion for technology and data protection. Then, in 2020, I joined TikTok as the European head of privacy and data protection, where I have been for the last five years now.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A LAWYER?
Growing up in Athlone, I had no early prompt or drive to become a lawyer. No one in my family had worked in law, so it was a first. Growing up, my interests gravitated naturally toward reading and history and, as it happens, one of my history teachers was also a qualified barrister. I remember him talking to me about law and why he enjoyed studying it. As a teenager unsure of what path to follow, his perspective was a big influence in shaping my interest in a legal career.
Then, throughout the course of my academic journey, I realised that becoming a lawyer is about more than just knowing the law. It’s about using it as a tool to solve problems, advocate for others, and make a tangible impact. This really solidified my choice to become a lawyer. I am someone who enjoys critical thinking, working with people, and navigating complex issues, and that is why I find this to be such a rewarding path.
Interview with Elaine Fox
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I joined TikTok in 2020 as the European head of privacy and data protection and initially focused on establishing the company’s European privacy programme. Over the last number of years, I’ve built out the privacy function across Europe. In this role, my day-today job is very much focusing on providing oversight and leadership on how the company should handle personal data. I manage a European team of privacy professionals and lawyers that is part of a global privacy team. We advise all arms of the business on launching products, features, and initiatives that are compliant with the requirements of GDPR, as well as advising on areas such as the Digital Markets Act. Most recently, my team has
also assumed day-to-day responsibility for compliance with the EU AI Act, which has been a natural fit, given our core focus on data. I also serve as a director on the TikTok Ireland board, helping guide the company’s strategic direction in the region, and last year I was also appointed as head of TikTok Ireland.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
I would describe my leadership style as collaborative and people-centered, with a strong focus on trust, accountability, and development. I see my role as both a legal advisor and a business partner. I aim to create a culture where there is a drive for legal excellence, but where reflection and learning from mistakes as well as pushing for innovation and efficiency are also valued.
Head of Ireland and Head of Privacy Europe at TikTok
I have been fortunate to have had a number of mentors over the years, some within TikTok, across the legal profession, and also individuals who are from an entirely different discipline. I would encourage everyone to find
“The more you understand the different aspects of the business, the more valuable you’ll be – not just as a legal adviser, but as someone who truly understands the goals and challenges of your internal stakeholders.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG IN-HOUSE LAWYER STARTING OUT ON THEIR CAREER?
My advice would be to focus on developing broad legal skills, especially if you’re working in a fast-paced company like TikTok. The more you understand the different aspects of the business, the more valuable you’ll be – not just as a legal adviser, but as someone who truly understands the goals and challenges of your internal stakeholders. You become much more embedded in the company, seeing things from the inside out, rather than just offering advice from the sidelines on a specific issue. Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders is key – for example, translating complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice they can use day-to-day.
DO YOU HAVE SOMEBODY IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER TO BE A MENTOR – OR SOMEONE THAT YOU SPEAK TO ABOUT YOUR CAREER DECISIONS, ETC?
someone who has navigated similar or comparable challenges and to seek them out for advice. We all need help and, in my experience, most colleagues will say yes, so if you are looking for a mentor, start there.
DO YOU MENTOR ANYBODY AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING A MENTOR?
I enjoy acting as a mentor and would also encourage people considering this to give it a try. I think you learn both ways and considering matters from various perspectives is helpful for both mentors and mentees. I have learned a lot from everyone I have mentored.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME – IF YOU HAVE ANY SPARE TIME?
I love reading – anything I can get my hands on, and
sometimes I might read two books at a time, which might be on very different subjects. I am also very interested in my own area and follow several thinkers in the privacy-space. Swimming is also top of my list, as well as walking and hiking in the west of the country, Donegal being one of my favourite spots!
WHAT’S ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have been to some beautiful places. I am very fond of France: Biarritz is a favourite of mine, as is Tokyo, but my favourite place to be is in beautiful Donegal on the north-west coast of Ireland.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WERE EVER GIVEN?
Something I was told by my father early on that has really stuck with me is that there are no stupid questions and, if you don’t understand something, speak up and ask the question. From a young age, I was encouraged to be curious, and it is something that has stayed with me through my career. Never assume points or gloss over things you don’t understand. Sometimes it takes courage to admit you don’t understand something, but in reality there are likely to be others who are in a similar boat.
Elaine loves reading
Swimming is a passion of Elaine’s
Beautiful Donegal
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: OPEN IN-HOUSE VACANCIES
The in-house jobs market is strong, with lots of opportunities. We noted that there were approximately 60 in-house legal vacancies advertised during the month of September. We’ve listed below just a selection of these jobs.
• GENERAL COUNSEL
Three
• LEGAL COUNSEL
Glanbia (5 years’ PQE)
• SENIOR DIRECTOR – ADVOCACY AND MERGERS Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (5+ years’ PQE)
• SENIOR COMPLIANCE COUNSEL
Agilent Technologies (10 years’ PQE)
• CORPORATE LEGAL COUNSEL
Meissner Filtration Products Limited (5 pqe)
• LEGAL COUNSEL
Ornua (5 pqe)
More in-house legal job opportunities are listed on the Law Society website: lawsociety.ie/legalvacancies
As an in-house lawyer, your perspective is invaluable. As we prepare the next quarterly newsletter, let us know what features you would like to see more of.
Email: inhousenetwork@lawsociety.ie