iRobot Appoints Kevin Lanouette as Senior Vice President and General Counsel
On January 10, 2025, iRobot Corp., a frontrunner in the consumer robotics industry, made an announcement regarding a significant leadership change. Kevin Lanouette has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective January 17, 2025. He is set to succeed Tonya Drake, who will transition to an advisory role until her departure on March 7, 2025.
In his new role, Kevin Lanouette will oversee the company's legal strategies and compliance initiatives, contributing to its ongoing commitment to innovation and growth. iRobot’s CEO, Gary Cohen, expressed gratitude for Tonya Drake's years of dedicated service, acknowledging her extensive contributions to the company. "Her legacy of tenacity and rigor in protecting iRobot and our brand has been exemplary," Cohen stated in a press release.
Kevin Lanouette brings an impressive portfolio of experience to his new position. Before joining iRobot, he was a partner at OutsideGC, a Boston-based law firm known for providing strategic legal advice across a variety of sectors including technology, healthcare, and more. His previous experience also includes serving as Assistant General Counsel at Analog Devices, Inc. from 2006 to 2020, where he managed crucial legal operations including corporate matters, SEC compliance, and IP licensing.
A graduate of the University of Maine and Harvard Law School, Lanouette's skills and expertise are expected to be instrumental as iRobot navigates through its strategic initiatives aimed at regaining profitable growth. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for the company, which has evolved significantly since it launched the first Roomba robot vacuum in 2002.
As iRobot continues to innovate in consumer robotics, Lanouette's role will be critical in guiding legal strategies that support new product developments and initiatives. The company has sold over 50 million robots globally, with its technology constantly adapting to enhance consumer lifestyles.
In his first public statements as General Counsel, Lanouette emphasized his commitment to upholding high standards in legal practices and fostering an inclusive environment within the company. He noted that his focus will be on ensuring that legal frameworks align closely with iRobot's mission to develop smart home technologies that improve quality of life.
Gary Cohen reiterated the importance of Lanouette’s experience, stating, "His legal acumen in handling complex corporate and securities issues will be invaluable as we work to execute our plans and ensure compliance in a rapidly changing marketplace."
As iRobot strides forward, the impact of this leadership change is anticipated to resonate throughout the organization and among its stakeholders. The transition emphasizes a continuing legacy of strong guidance and responsible legal oversight within a company celebrated for its innovation in home robotics. For more information about iRobot and its extensive portfolio, visit
www.irobot.com.