In 1995, Jacqueline joined Bayer Group, a global life sciences organization known for its scientific innovation and impact across health care and agriculture. Across three decades at Bayer, Jacqueline De Gagné aligned legal strategy with business outcomes to deliver lasting impact. A leader and General Counsel, she built a career defined by cross‑functional leadership across litigation, intellectual property, governance, compliance and regulated commercial operations.  

From 2001 to 2005, Jacqueline completed an expat assignment at headquarters in Germany, working within Bayer’s patent and global litigation functions. Through this, she gained perspective that strengthened her ability to anticipate global implications while leading the Canadian legal function.  

Jacqueline progressed through a series of senior leadership roles, culminating as Chief Legal Officer for Canada (2014–2025), with responsibility for all Canadian Bayer legal entities across pharmaceuticals, radiology, consumer health, and crop science. She advised the Board and C‑suite on corporate law, enterprise risk, governance, and strategic market positioning. She also oversaw high‑stakes product liability, class action defence, and patent enforcement matters. 

In 2017, Jacqueline undertook a one‑year assignment as Head of Compliance for Bayer China. Leading a large compliance organization in a new environment enhanced her people leader skills and deepened her understanding of global operations. She returned to Canada with an expanded perspective that informed her leadership for the remainder of her tenure. 

Jacqueline’s professional qualifications — Barrister & Solicitor (Law Society of Ontario), Chartered Director, Canadian Patent Agent, and Canadian Trademark Agent — combined with her executive presence, sound judgment, and leadership style make her a trusted advisor in matters involving local and global legal, regulatory and enterprise risk. 

Jacqueline retired from Bayer in December 2025, and now consults on legal strategy, conducts workplace and compliance investigations andpractices as fractional General Counsel.