Peggy Foran, one of the most notable names in governance for her pioneering work at Pfizer, has bailed out of her new job as general counsel at Sara Lee Corp. after only one year on the job.

Foran, 54, led the foodmaker's legal department as well as its risk management, internal audit, and insurance activities, as well as environmental, safety, and sustainability efforts. In a statement, the company said Foran left Sara Lee for personal reasons but did not elaborate. She will be replaced by Brett Hart, the company's deputy general counsel.

Previously Foran had been senior vice president for corporate governance at Pfizer and was on the job when the company instituted then-landmark reforms such as higher thresholds for corporate directors to secure their seats on the board.