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Nicolas Van Den SteenNV

Nicolas Van Den Steen

Supermalter

HR Transformation | M&A • Divestitures • C&B

€2,000/day
Brussels, BE
15+ years

Average response time: 1 hour

About Nicolas

I help global organizations navigate complex HR transformations.

Over 20 years with Bridgestone (27,000 employees, 45+ countries), Coca-Cola, and Pfizer, I've learned that successful transformation requires equal parts strategy, diplomacy, and hands-on execution. I don't just design solutions; I help to make them work in the (at times messy) reality of multicultural organizations.

My track record includes:

- M&A/divestiture integration: Led HR integration for acquisitions and divestitures; designed post-merger structures; harmonized reward systems
- Total Rewards transformation: Built EMEA Centers of Excellence; implemented enterprise HRIS across 45+ countries; redesigned compensation frameworks and executive incentive programs
- Organizational change: Restructured business units; established shared services; founded HR Data Analytics function; drove digital transformation

I specialize in complex environments i.e. multiple jurisdictions, matrix organizations, regulated industries where standard approaches often fall short. My multicultural experience (North America, EMEA, Africa, Middle East, Asia) enables me to navigate diverse stakeholders with cultural intelligence.

Now with KoMiChi (Consulting), I support Boards and executives with transformation strategy, M&A integration, and interim leadership.

Fluent: English, French. Basic: German. Based in Brussels, globally mobile.
  • Dutch

    Native or bilingual

  • English

    Fluent

  • French

    Conversational

  • German

    Basic

Can work on-site
Brussels (up to 50km)

Experience

  • Bridgestone Corporation
    VP HR for Strategy, West Retail, Credit First National Association and Firestone Airide
    January 2014 - Today (12 years and 5 months)
    Brussels, Belgium
    • Led HR strategy and operations for West Retail, Strategy Team, CFNA (credit card business) and Firestone Airide across North & Latin Amerika, EMEA, and Asia, serving 27,000 teammates
    • Spearheaded initiatives in culture, engagement, global talent management, HR operational efficiency, and M&A/divestitures
    • President of Bridgestone's HR Labour Practices Committee: monitoring and enhancing fair labour practices, human rights, DE&I, workplace safety and the HR impact of EU regulations across Bridgestone group
    Talent Management and Employee Development Leadership Development Company Culture Management ESG M&A, Divestiture
  • Bridgestone Mobility Solutions
    HR Director
    January 2023 - January 2024 (1 year)
    Brussels, Belgium
    • Drove the organizational design, change management, and cultural development for the creation of BMS 2.0 across North America and EMIA
    • Collaborated with regional leaders to define structure, governance, and HR capabilities for the new business unit
    Organizational Design Talent Management and Employee Development Strategic planning Leadership Development Company Culture Management
  • Bridgestone EMIA
    HR Director Emerging Markets | DE&I EMIA
    January 2019 - January 2022 (3 years)
    Brussels, Belgium
    • Directed HR strategy across Africa, Middle East, India, and CIS, supporting over 6,000 teammates in diverse environments
    • Developed and implemented EMIA's DE&I strategy, established the DE&I Center of Excellence
    • Served on the Bridgestone Global HR Committee, contributing to global frameworks for development and performance
    • Oversaw the HR integration of TomTom Telematics and launched a region-wide training academy and line manager development curriculum
    • Designed and deployed an HR service center for Africa, Middle East and India; harmonized payroll engine and enhanced payroll service delivery for Africa and Middle East
    Talent Management and Employee Development

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Education

  • Leadership Transition
    INSEAD
    2022
    Leadership Transition
  • HR Strategy
    Cornell University
    2010
    HR Strategy

Skill set

Categories