Unilife Newsroom Blog

Firestone of Kraft Joins Unilife Corporation's (NASDAQ: UNIS) Board of Directors

Unilife appointed Marc S. Firestone, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Kraft Foods to Unilife's Board of Directors as a new independent director.  Mr. Firestone will chair the Unilife Board's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees and serve as a member of the Strategic Partnerships Committee.  

Mr. Alan Shortall, Chief Executive Officer of Unilife, stated, "Adding Mr. Firestone to our Board reflects our dedication to growing Unilife and building upon our successes.  We believe his far-reaching knowledge and vast legal and government relations experience with two Fortune 100 companies will provide us with exceptional guidance as we focus on our international business development initiatives. Additionally, his capabilities complement those of our existing team of experienced and talented board members. We expect to utilize his exceptional leadership skills and experience to their fullest as we move forward with our plans."

Mr. Firestone said, "The development of a unique and truly innovative range of safety syringes by Unilife represents a wonderful business opportunity to enhance the delivery of safe healthcare to people across the world. Having partnered with a number of nongovernment organizations, I understand how important it is for corporations not only to be profitable, but ideally to address societal needs at the same time. Unsafe injection practices represent a significant global challenge.  I believe that Unilife and its pharmaceutical partners can make a genuine difference, and it's a privilege for me to be part of that effort. I'm excited by my appointment to the Unilife Board and look forward to making a valuable contribution to the continued success of the Company on the world stage."

Mr. Firestone, 50, leads the department that is responsible for legal, corporate affairs, government affairs, compliance, and corporate governance for Kraft Foods Inc., a Fortune 100 company and the largest food company in the United States with annual, worldwide sales of approximately $48 billion.  In his current position, Mr. Firestone oversees 450 people around the world. He worked in Europe for seven years, and more recently has represented Kraft Foods before the U.S. Senate, UK Parliament, European Commission, and in meetings with public interest groups, community organizations and the media.  He has also handled various matters for Kraft Foods before major U.S. regulatory agencies. Additionally, Mr. Firestone advised the Kraft Foods Board and executive management team on the legal, governance and communications aspects of numerous multibillion dollar transactions and acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Cadbury plc for approximately $19 billion.

Prior to his position at Kraft Foods, Mr. Firestone held senior executive positions for Philip Morris Companies and its subsidiaries, including as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Philip Morris International, and Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Phillip Morris Companies.  

Mr. Firestone is a frequent public speaker on international competition law, diversity and in-house practice, and has received several awards, including the Distinguished General Counsel Award. He holds a juris doctorate from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, and a bachelor's degree from Washington & Lee University in Virginia. In addition to English, he is proficient in French and Italian.