Karol Słomski
Poznan,30
Summary
Organized and dependable leader successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and business oriented. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Adept at navigating legal systems, leveraging resources, and communicating with stakeholders and business partners.
Head of Legal & Compliance Central and Eastern Europe Regions and Original Equipment
Manufacturer business in Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) leading the legal and compliance functions in the Central and Eastern Regions and functionally in charge of the OEM business at Bridgestone Corporation (30B $ revenue), the world's largest manufacturer of tire and rubber products and manufacturer of chemical and industrial products, together with a team of 8 in-house lawyers responsible for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Nordics and the Baltic States,
- rendering legal and business services for companies within Bridgestone EMEA Group in Central and Eastern Europe:
a) manufactures: Bridgestone Poznan Ltd., Bridgestone Stargard Ltd., Bridgestone
Tatabanya Ltd., Firestone Industrial Products Polska Ltd.
b) salesco: Bridgestone EMEA including Bridgestone Easter Europe HQ in Warsaw, Central Europe HQ in Frankfurt, and wholesale sales companies in each country in regions as well as a retail
Franchise network and equities – First Stop, Reiff,
c) European Finance & HR Shared Service Center: Bridgestone EBS Ltd. (Poznan),
* (in total above 6000 employees in 20 companies located in 15 countries)
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Chairman of the Global Legal OE Committee
Bridgestone Corporation
01.2023 - Current
- Led OE legal organization in setting goals and strategies.
- Set and contributed to values, goals and strategic vision of the Global OE Legal function.
- Provided recommendations on Global Legal Leadership Team on group's effectiveness, actions, and future plans.
- Achieved revenue growth through strategic pricing adjustments in response to shifting market conditions.
Head of Legal & Compliance Central, Eastern Europe
Bridgestone Corproation
06.2022 - Current
- Leading the legal and compliance functions in the Central and Eastern Europe Regions and functionally in charge of the OEM business at Bridgestone Corporation.
- Create a business-oriented mindset in the legal team, to be a facilitator and partner for the boards of directors and the senior management team at the strategic and the operational levels.
- Negotiating solid win-win relationships and alliances with internal and business partners and document these arrangements well.
- Developing key risk identification management and mitigation strategies (including tailored compliance programs) and driving their implementation to support further growth.
- Streamlined legal processes by implementing efficient document management systems and software.
- Oversaw intellectual property portfolio management, including patent filings, trademarks registrations, and licensing agreements.
- Managed relationships with external counsel across diverse jurisdictions for seamless handling of international legal matters.
- Implementing the corporate governance model in all local companies (AGMs, changes of directors in BoD and SB, changes in capita, transformations of the models in the target companies).
- Providing innovative, creative but legally compliant solutions that deliver added value to the business by using innovative and effective tools.
- Management of cooperation with the law firms and be accountable for optimal cost structure - management of a budget for legal and compliance expenditure of over EUR 1 million.
- Lobbying and maintaining positive relationships with the government and local authorities,
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to develop policies that mitigate risk while supporting business objectives.
- Implemented corporate governance best practices by advising board members on fiduciary duties and compliance matters.
- Managed a team of legal professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to foster professional growth and development.
- Ensured global compliance with data privacy regulations through developing comprehensive policies and employee training programs.
- Fostered a culture of compliance and ethical behavior by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs for employees.
- Created effective communication channels between the legal department and other internal stakeholders for prompt resolution of issues.
- Supported merger and acquisition initiatives by coordinating due diligence efforts, drafting transaction documents, and managing post-closing integration activities.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with vendors and partners, ensuring optimal terms and conditions for the organization.
- Advised executive leadership on legal implications of strategic decisions, promoting sound decision-making practices.
- Improved department operations by capturing numerous opportunities to streamline processes and reduce waste.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Drafted clear and concise employment agreements that outlined expectations for both employer and employee while minimizing potential liability risks.
- Resolved disputes efficiently through mediation or arbitration, avoiding costly litigation when possible.
Member of the Supervisory Board
CUO - End-Life Tyre Organization Joint Stock
06.2020 - Current
- Developed succession planning processes to maintain continuity in leadership during times of transition or turnover.
- Enhanced shareholder value by implementing strategic initiatives and optimizing board governance processes.
- Fostered an environment of continuous improvement, driving the adoption of best practices in corporate governance and board leadership.
- Led the development of corporate strategies for long-term growth, driving business expansion and innovation.
- Strengthened company''s financial performance with diligent oversight of fiscal management and risk mitigation.
Chairman of the Global Legal Tech Committee
Bridgestone Corporation
04.2020 - 12.2022
- Led the organization in setting goals and strategies during a digital transformation in the Legal Dept. at a global level.
Head of Legal & Compliance Eastern Europe
Bridgestone Corproation
06.2016 - 05.2022
- Leading the legal and compliance functions in the Eastern Europe Region at Bridgestone Corporation.
Member of the Supervisory Board
A.R.S. Spol S.r.o.
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Developed succession planning processes to maintain continuity in leadership during times of transition or turnover.
- Enhanced shareholder value by implementing strategic initiatives and optimizing board governance processes.
- Fostered an environment of continuous improvement, driving the adoption of best practices in corporate governance and board leadership.
- Led the development of corporate strategies for long-term growth, driving business expansion and innovation.
- Strengthened company''s financial performance with diligent oversight of fiscal management and risk mitigation.
Assistant Manager Eastern Europe
Bridgestone Corproation
08.2008 - 05.2016
- Optimized budget allocation for the legal department by tracking expenses and negotiating competitive rates with vendors.
- Supervised team of 3 attorneys, paralegals and other legal personnel in conduct of corporate legal and administrative business.
- Advised company on achieving statutory compliance by interpreting regulations, suggesting company policies and distributing literature on compliant work practices.
- Assessed proposed actions and employee conduct for potential liability and offered suggestions for risk management and remedy.
- Mentored junior staff members by sharing knowledge and expertise, contributing to their professional growth and enhancing the overall capabilities of the team.
Agloplast Co.
04.2008 - 07.2008
Euro-Lex Law Firm
03.2008 - 07.2008
Non-Public Health Care Institution Kardiochron
01.2007 - 09.2007
Education
Internal Executive Leadership Program - Next 100 Leaders - Bridgestone Global Program
Krauthammer
Rome, Italy12.2024
BBA - Mergers & Acquisitions
Warsaw School of Economics (SGH)
Warsaw, Poland07.2023
MBA - Master of Business Administration
Lazarski University
Warsaw, Poland03.2019
BBA - Property Management
West-Pomeranian Business School
Szczecin, Poland06.2011
BBA - Tax
Poznan School of Banking
Poznan, Poland06.2010
BBA - Financial Management And Marketing
Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun
Torun, Poland06.2008
Master of Arts - Law
Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun
Torun, Poland06.2007
Skills
- Risk Assessment Capabilities
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Regulatory knowledge
- Intellectual Property Protection
- Ethics Enforcement
- Stakeholder Communication
- Financial Acumen
- Dispute resolution proficiency
- Corporate Governance Oversight
- Legal Project Management
- Influencing Abilities
- International law experience
- Legal compliance management
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Recruitment and hiring
- Strategic Planning
- Microsoft Office and Docusign
- Contract Review and Negotiation
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Various legal tech tools
- Strategic Thinking
Languages
Polish
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
French
Elementary
A2
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 02/19/83
- Driving License: B
Timeline
Chairman of the Global Legal OE Committee
Bridgestone Corporation
01.2023 - Current
Head of Legal & Compliance Central, Eastern Europe
Bridgestone Corproation
06.2022 - Current
Member of the Supervisory Board
CUO - End-Life Tyre Organization Joint Stock
06.2020 - Current
Chairman of the Global Legal Tech Committee
Bridgestone Corporation
04.2020 - 12.2022
Member of the Supervisory Board
A.R.S. Spol S.r.o.
10.2019 - 10.2021
Head of Legal & Compliance Eastern Europe
Bridgestone Corproation
06.2016 - 05.2022
Assistant Manager Eastern Europe
Bridgestone Corproation
08.2008 - 05.2016
Agloplast Co.
04.2008 - 07.2008
Euro-Lex Law Firm
03.2008 - 07.2008
Non-Public Health Care Institution Kardiochron
01.2007 - 09.2007
Internal Executive Leadership Program - Next 100 Leaders - Bridgestone Global Program
Krauthammer
BBA - Mergers & Acquisitions
Warsaw School of Economics (SGH)
MBA - Master of Business Administration
Lazarski University
BBA - Property Management
West-Pomeranian Business School
BBA - Tax
Poznan School of Banking
BBA - Financial Management And Marketing
Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun
Master of Arts - Law
Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun
Similar Profiles
Emil GizaEmil Giza
Tire Reinforcement Specialist at Bridgestone Corporation, Technical CenterTire Reinforcement Specialist at Bridgestone Corporation, Technical Center
Joshua PetersonJoshua Peterson
Production Worker at Bridgestone AmericasProduction Worker at Bridgestone Americas
Tyler SmithTyler Smith
Key Account Manager at Bridgestone AmericasKey Account Manager at Bridgestone Americas
Muyang LiMuyang Li
Researcher at Poznan University of Medical SciencesResearcher at Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Maneesh KotalaManeesh Kotala
Logistics Team Member at Pertemba Pvt. Ltd.Logistics Team Member at Pertemba Pvt. Ltd.