Former CEO of Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
Program Titles
- America’s Premier “Turnaround” CEO
- Business Culture
- Crisis Management
- Disruption
- Leaders Make The Necessary Changes
Gary Garfield engages and educates audiences with the truly unique insight turning around the financial performance of Bridgestone Americas, and the organization’s corporate culture.
Through his innovative approach to changing the culture of the organization, Garfield changed the focus of the organization, drove innovation and collaboration, and broke down silos. The result: the company pulled out of its marketplace rut. Under Gary’s leadership, the company had record profits each year, growing profits by more than five-fold during his tenure, and outperforming the S&P 500 over that period.
Garfield has established himself as an expert in creating change and improving corporate culture. He not only shares his decades of insight, but does it in a way that both captivates and motivates the audience, while ensuring that his messages and insight hammer home the key points senior management wants.
Gary Garfield was promoted from being the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer to the CEO of Bridgestone Americas, a global company with over 55,000 employees operating on five continents. The old-line manufacturing company he was appointed to lead had been significantly under-performing for many years.
During his six-year tenure, revenues grew by more than 30 percent to over $15 billion and profits increased five-fold, outperforming the S&P 500 over that time period. Cash flow went from negative to positive while overall company debt dramatically declined.
Gary led the transformation Bridgestone Americas from a manufacturing entity into a market leader. At the same time, the company operated as a true partner in the community with his strong stance on both corporate and environmental responsibility. Gary achieved these extraordinary results through a unique but straightforward approach to driving change, an approach that is applicable to just about every organization.
Gary shares his valuable insights and lessons learned to both educate and motivate the audience to achieve bigger and better things. He is authentic, honest, and straight forward, leaving audiences inspired and motivated.
Thru Gary’s talk, the audience will know what will work for them as they seek to take both their individual and group’s performance to the next level. Gary works closely with management to help it navigate the pitfalls and hurdles involved in cultural changes.
Prior to his achievements as the CEO, Gary served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Bridgestone. During that time, he helped the company survive the massive Ford Explorer – Firestone tire recall. Gary also developed an extraordinary experience in crisis management.
Gary has been a guest speaker at the Yale Management School, Wharton, Vanderbilt University, and Belmont University.
As a leader in pushing to adopt a comprehensive mass transit system, on the board, and a member of the audit committee for the newly formed Center for Interoperability.
“Gary Garfield speaks from a vast breadth of experience that is nearly unparalleled. As the former CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Gary understands that effective communication is crucial, and his speaking style reflects the practical application of it.”
“Garfield was able to draw them into his own struggles and take them on a journey of decision-making, strategy and ultimately success.”
“Gary is a thoughtful and humble speaker. He captivates participants by sharing the strategies that were implemented and obstacles that were overcome to deliver record breaking profits as the CEO of Bridgestone. During his presentation, he adapts quickly and handles questions brilliantly.”
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