Capability
I have over 20 years of broad-ranging commercial legal experience, practising in-house in both New Zealand and London. Currently on my third engagement with AIA Insurance, I manage complex claims, support the investments team, and advise on FMA and RBNZ compliance, privacy, procurement, and commercial contracts.
Previously, as General Counsel at Stuff (as a Juno lawyer), I was part of the executive team and completed the 2020 MBO. I managed defamation litigation and led compliance across the business, particularly in privacy and cyber risk. At Fonterra, as Senior Legal Counsel, I established the global legal team’s first in-house portal to make legal services more accessible. At Spark, I contributed to the voluntary split of Telecom in 2011. In London, I built a legal practice of 4 lawyers at a fast-paced telco business.
I thrive in in-house roles because they involve working closely with the business to deliver practical, commercial outcomes. The diversity of issues and queries ensures that no two days are the same, and I enjoy applying my expertise to help organisations navigate complex challenges while achieving their strategic goals.
Juno Clients
Toll Holdings (NZ) Limited, Stuff Limited (twice), AIA Insurance (3 times), Vector, Serko
Before Juno
Fonterra | Senior Corporate Counsel
Spark | Senior Counsel
Toll NZ | Legal Advisor
Reliance Globalcom Services Inc. | Head of Legal
Lloyds TSB Bank plc | Legal Adviser
Buddle Findlay | Senior Solicitor
IRD | Solicitor
Areas of expertise
- Commercial contract drafting and negotiation
- Privacy and data protection
- IT/IP
- Governance
- Financial Services
- Media
- General risk management
Governance/Community
I was on the Campbells Bay School Board of Trustees for nine years (2013–2022), including three years as Chair. I am currently a member of the Juno Sounding Board (April 2024 – present), the SPELD NZ Board (since November 2024), and, as of September 2025, the Rangitoto College Board.
Jen is an absolute superstar and has taken on the role of general counsel with enormous ease, despite media being a new industry to her. Nothing fazes her, whether it be a tricky media issue or, as happened a few weeks into her tenure, a change of ownership for our business.
She has become an integral part of our executive leadership team, respected and trusted by the whole executive as well as the wider business, and has been a valued contributor to our overall strategic work and planning. Besides her professional abilities, she is a fantastic colleague to work alongside and we have been very fortunate to have her in our business.
Sinead Boucher
Chief Executive Officer, Stuff
Jen [gave a] thorough and thoughtful handover. She has played such a key role in establishing the "new Stuff" since the MBO, and I know she is very loved by the business. I can also see the stellar work she has done in re-shaping our legal function to make it fit for purpose for the journey ahead. And of course she is a whip-smart lawyer and a brilliant, funny and kind colleague. Whoever gets her next will be very lucky.
Genevieve O'Halloran
Former General Counsel, Stuff
Engaging Juno and bringing Jen into the team has been a real success. Lockdown didn't stop Jen integrating into our team and getting across the work. She is a very experienced and capable lawyer. Despite not having a financial services or insurance sector background Jen has picked up the work with ease and is willing to give anything a go.
Jackie Waddams
Head of Legal, AIA Insurance
We’ve really enjoyed having Jen on the team and have appreciated her help. She has been great at getting on with the work and putting her hand up to assist whenever possible. We can highly recommend her.
Harriet Blackburn
General Counsel, Vector
Jen quickly absorbed the workflow and prioritised projects and tasks accordingly.
She was always available, made pragmatic recommendations and seamlessly fitted into the team.Laura Maxwell
CEO, Stuff
Jen Hanton supports
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