Remembering Anne Riley: A Pioneering Force in Antitrust Law

The antitrust community is deeply saddened by the passing of Anne Riley, who left us on 29 May at the age of 63. Riley was a pioneering figure whose career significantly influenced how competition agencies and businesses approach antitrust compliance.

Read her work: Antitrust Compliance – Reluctance to Embrace and Recognize Corporate Compliance Efforts

Anne Riley’s professional journey is marked by her contributions to the field and her role as a mentor to many emerging lawyers. She began her career at Shell in 1992, where she worked for nearly three decades until her retirement in 2019. During her time at Shell, Riley was instrumental in creating one of the most esteemed in-house competition teams globally. Her strategic insights and leadership were key to navigating numerous high-profile transactions, notably Shell’s €54 billion acquisition of BG in 2015, which saw her securing unconditional clearances in 17 jurisdictions.

Beyond her contributions at Shell, Riley was a prominent figure in international antitrust circles. She co-chaired the ICC ICN Task Force and previously led the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Task Force on Antitrust Compliance policy harmonization. Her expertise was also recognized by the European Union, where she served as a Non-Governmental Adviser (NGA) to the Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP) for the International Competition Network. Riley’s work in these roles underscored her commitment to advancing antitrust policies and fostering global cooperation in competition law.

Anne Riley was known for her dedication to mentoring young lawyers, helping them navigate their careers with the same passion and integrity that she exemplified. Her legacy is reflected in the countless individuals she guided and inspired throughout her life.

Anne Riley is survived by her husband, Michael, and her two sons.

Source: Global competition Review