Maree Gallagher is a strategic advisor to CEOs and boards navigating complex regulatory, reputational and leadership challenges.

An Irish-qualified solicitor, Maree brings more than three decades of experience advising global organisations operating in highly regulated and publicly scrutinised environments, particularly across the agrifood and life sciences sectors.

She began her career in Brussels, developing expertise in EU food regulatory law during the BSE crisis. She subsequently returned to Dublin to establish and lead the Food & Pharma Regulatory practice at Arthur Cox, before founding and leading her own specialist law firm for fourteen years.

Over the course of her career, Maree has advised on many of the most significant food-related regulatory and reputational crises in Europe. This experience provides a rare depth of insight into how complex situations evolve — and how leadership teams can respond effectively under pressure.

Maree later joined Covington & Burling, where she has played a central role in establishing and developing the firm’s Irish presence. She continues to work with colleagues at Covington, supporting clients on complex regulatory and strategic matters.

Through MGA | Maree Gallagher Advisory, Maree provides independent strategic advice to a small number of leadership teams and boards. This advisory work is distinct from her legal practice and is focused on providing senior, independent perspective in complex situations.

She is also available for a limited number of non-executive director and advisory board roles, as well as selected speaking and media engagements.

In complex situations, leadership ultimately comes down to judgement. Maree works with leaders to bring clarity and perspective to those critical decisions.