Aréal Allen-Lee

Aréal Allen-Lee is an accomplished legal professional with extensive expertise in product development, compliance and regulatory affairs, and non-profit leadership. Aréal is Product Regulatory Counsel for Hermès of Paris. At Hermès, Aréal oversees U.S. product compliance, advising on federal, state, and local regulations. She collaborates with global teams to ensure regulatory alignment, supports sustainability initiatives, and provides legal guidance on evolving regulatory issues to enable compliant product development. Prior to Hermès, Aréal served as Senior Director, Product and Regulatory for Ross Stores, Inc. where she played a key role in guiding the merchant organization on consumer product compliance, safety, risk management, and supplier partnerships. She also led high-profile initiatives, managing complex regulatory inquiries from federal and state enforcement agencies, and advised on international expansion strategies.

Prior to Ross, Aréal served as Vice President of Global Cards Compliance at Citibank, where she contributed to the development of a global compliance program and provided legal counsel on product development and regulatory compliance across international markets. Her early career includes roles with MetLife, Macy’s, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Throughout her career, Aréal has demonstrated a talent for translating complex requirements into practical strategies and solutions for businesses.

In addition to her legal practice, Aréal is an engaged civic leader. She serves as the President of Friends of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and has held roles with numerous organizations, including the Apollo Theatre, the New York City Bar Association, and the Junior League of Brooklyn. Aréal is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Aréal holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Connecticut.