Bridgestone Names Chief People Officer

Herlein to lead HR across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bridgestone Americas has named Michele Herlein as its new chief people officer, where she will lead the company's human resources efforts across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Herlein has over 20 years of leadership experience, including prior roles at Bridgestone and Bandag, and will focus on advancing the company's Culture 2.0 initiative to support teammate empowerment, collaboration and accountability.

Why it matters

Bridgestone is a major global tire manufacturer, and the appointment of a new chief people officer signals the importance the company places on cultivating its corporate culture and supporting its workforce across multiple regions. Herlein's background in leadership development and succession planning will be crucial as Bridgestone looks to the future.

The details

In her new role, Herlein will be responsible for leading Bridgestone's human resources function across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Her priorities include advancing the company's Culture 2.0 initiative, which aims to foster greater teammate empowerment, collaboration and accountability. Herlein has over 20 years of leadership experience, including prior roles at Bridgestone Americas and Bandag Inc. where she focused on culture, leadership development and succession planning.

  • Herlein was named chief people officer on February 10, 2026.

The players

Michele Herlein

Bridgestone's new chief people officer, with over 20 years of leadership experience including prior roles at Bridgestone and Bandag.

Scott Damon

CEO of Bridgestone West and group president of Bridgestone Americas, who welcomed Herlein back to the company.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to welcome her back to Bridgestone, recognizing the perspective and presence she will add to our West leadership team, the HR function, and the broader organization.”

— Scott Damon, CEO of Bridgestone West and group president of Bridgestone Americas (tirereview.com)

The takeaway

Bridgestone's appointment of a new chief people officer with a strong background in corporate culture and leadership development signals the company's commitment to empowering its global workforce and positioning itself for future success.