Bridgestone Americas Welcomes Michele Herlein as Chief People Officer

Bridgestone Appoints Michele Herlein as Chief People Officer

Bridgestone Americas has officially named Michele Herlein as its new Chief People Officer, a strategic appointment announced on January 22, 2026. In her new role, she will spearhead the Human Resources function across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, underscoring Bridgestone's commitment to enhancing its workplace culture and overall team dynamics.

Michele Herlein returns to Bridgestone with an impressive background in leadership, bringing more than 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational culture. Her previous roles at both Bridgestone Americas and Bandag, Inc. have equipped her with deep insights into fostering a collaborative and accountable working environment. The primary focus of Herlein’s tenure will be to further propel the company’s Culture 2.0 initiative, which aims to empower teammates and cultivate a culture of collaboration throughout the organization.

Scott Damon, the CEO of Bridgestone West and Group President of Bridgestone Americas, expressed optimism about Herlein's return: "I am excited to welcome her back to Bridgestone. Her perspective and presence will significantly benefit our West leadership team, the HR function, and the broader organization." Herlein’s rich experience in leadership development and succession planning positions her as a key figure in advancing the company’s strategic goals.

In addition to her extensive organizational leadership experience, Herlein is also a published author and an acknowledged expert in building organizational cultures that lead to sustainable business success. Prior to rejoining Bridgestone, she founded and served as CEO of CultureMax, a consultancy that helps organizations improve their culture. She has also held significant leadership roles at Barge Design Solutions, Inc., where she was pivotal in driving human resources strategies and administrative functions.

Michele Herlein’s contributions extend beyond the corporate world; she is a co-founder of Impact100 Nashville, an influential organization that empowers women to support local nonprofits through grants, having donated over $1.2 million to enhance community resources and opportunities.

Bridgestone Americas, the U.S.-based arm of the global Bridgestone Corporation, remains at the forefront of the mobility industry. Its commitment to safety and sustainability makes it a leader in tire and rubber solutions, employing over 45,000 individuals worldwide. The company aims to enhance the way people around the globe move, live, and work through innovative technologies and a diverse portfolio of premium tires.

As Herlein steps into her new position, the industry will be watching closely to see how her approach to human resources will shape Bridgestone's future, particularly amid a shifting corporate landscape that increasingly values culture, employee engagement, and community impact. Bridgestone's strategic focus under her leadership promises to create a more empowered workforce, fostering an environment where collaboration and accountability are prioritized.

This new appointment marks not only a return for Michele Herlein but also a renewed commitment by Bridgestone to uphold its values while driving meaningful change across its global operations.