Susan Matluck Westphal

Chief Counsel @Melissa & Doug

Wilton, CT, US

Melissa & Doug, LLC, is a leading early childhood toy brand known for wooden and sustainable toys and founded 30+ years ago. It was acquired by AEA Investorsl in 2017 and by Spin Master in 2024 for $950 million. First in-house counsel hired by then founder led Company. I built legal department from scratch while partnering with the Executive Team for all its varied legal and business needs during rapid growth, globalization and transformation from entrepreneurial culture to private equity ownership to public acquisition. As a member of the Executive Team reporting directly to CEO, I provide trusted and pragmatic legal and business guidance on complex issues to key stakeholders.Key accomplishments, responsibilities, and skills include- Built and manage first legal department- Oversee all legal needs of Company over 6 continents (commercial, employment, COVID, supply chain, marketing, trainings, intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyrights), real estate, litigation, etc.)- Provide expert strategic business and legal guidance, while partnering with all internal teams to meet Company goals- Oversee social compliance of supply chain to ensure Company’s high expectations are met- Select, manage, and collaborate with dozens of outside legal counsel, globally, to meet diverse Company needs and to maintain flexible cost structure- Identify and build from ground up numerous proactive solutions and SOPs in various business areas to increase efficiencies or eliminate/mitigate actual or anticipated risks- Maintain respect and confidence of colleagues while finding solutions in any tier of business, even under intense pressure or disagreement - Use analytical abilities and broad legal knowledge across multiple disciplines to make rapid and well informed decisions- Collaborate and motivate others while leading legal team’s performance to meet business goals- led legal team through acquisition and sale- Ethical, moral, and work ethic beyond reproach