Washington Mutual Inc. has hired Michael S. Solender as its chief legal officer.
Mr. Solender, 44, had been general counsel at Bear Stearns Cos. until its sale to JPMorgan Chase & Co. last month. He was named a member of Wamu's executive committee and will report to Kerry Killinger, its chief executive officer, the company said Wednesday.
The Yale University Law School graduate succeeded Fay L. Chapman, who announced her retirement in December.
Stewart M. Landefeld who had been the interim chief legal officer since January, returned to private practice at Perkins Coie LLP in Seattle.
Mr. Solender will be based at Wamu's headquarters in Seattle.










