Novartis General Counsel Felix R. Ehrat announced his retirement in response to the controversy surrounding the payment of $1.2 million to a company owned by President Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen.

“Although the contract was legally in order, it was an error,” Ehrat said. “As co-signatory with our former CEO, I take personal responsibility to bring the public debate on this matter to an end,” he said regarding the payment to Essential Consultants, a shell company owned by Cohen.

Shannon Thyme Klinger, Novartis’ chief ethics, risk and compliance officer, will fill the vacant position effective June 1.