Susie Long is a global human resources executive, strategic leader, and board candidate with nearly four decades of experience driving business transformation, leadership development, and cultural evolution. With a multifaceted background spanning retail, manufacturing, franchise, wholesale, and supply chain operations, she has led large-scale organizational transformations and developed enterprise-wide talent strategies for some of the world’s most respected companies. Throughout her career, Susie has been instrumental in aligning human capital strategies with business objectives, fostering high-performance cultures, and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that strengthen organizations from the inside out.

As Senior Vice President of Talent, Engagement, Organization, And Culture at Bridgestone Americas and EMEA, Susie leads the global alignment of talent management strategies, ensuring they support the company’s transition into a sustainable mobility solutions provider. She spearheads succession planning efforts, develops leadership capabilities, and champions global mobility programs to create career growth opportunities for employees worldwide. Her strategic approach has led to enhanced organizational effectiveness, stronger leadership pipelines, and a work environment where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.

Prior to her current role, Susie held several key executive positions at Bridgestone Americas, including Vice President of Talent, Engagement, Organization, And Culture. She played a pivotal role in centralizing leadership development programs, a move that not only reduced costs but also saved the company $14 million annually through process optimization and efficiency improvements. Her initiatives in talent retention and diversity strategy have also been game-changers, doubling female leadership representation to 30% and maintaining top talent turnover rates significantly below industry averages.

Susie’s expertise extends beyond Bridgestone. Before joining the organization in 2014, she served as Director of Organizational Development at Dollar General Corporation, where she led leadership development, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives that resulted in a $1.8 million increase in revenue and a 19% reduction in turnover. At Luxottica Corporation, she directed global talent management and development strategies, launching high-impact leadership development programs that resulted in a 95% promotion rate for high-potential employees. Her ability to identify, nurture, and advance top talent has been a consistent strength throughout her career.

A true global leader, Susie has extensive international experience, having worked in the United Kingdom, China, Japan, and Italy. Her ability to navigate cross-cultural business landscapes and implement strategic workforce planning on a global scale has made her an invaluable asset in organizations undergoing international expansion and transformation. She has also played a key role in integrating diversity and inclusion initiatives across multiple regions, ensuring companies remain competitive, equitable, and forward-thinking in an evolving marketplace.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Susie is a dedicated advisor, mentor, and board contributor. She has served on governance boards, including the Succession Nomination and Compensation Board and the Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion advisory board at Bridgestone Americas. Additionally, she is an advisory board member for i4CP, the Chief Talent Officer board. She is also an active member of her local chamber of commerce, where she supports business leaders in navigating workforce challenges, talent development, and HR compliance.

Susie’s leadership philosophy is grounded in her belief in people. She has a unique ability to foster engagement and cultural transformation, ensuring that businesses not only retain top talent but also develop future leaders who are innovative, adaptable, and equipped for long-term success. Her impact can be seen in the way she coaches executives, restructures organizations for efficiency, and cultivates a workplace culture that drives productivity and business growth.

Her commitment to mentorship and education extends to her volunteer efforts with the United Way of Greater Nashville and the Tennessee Business Roundtable, where she advocates for community well-being, education, and health initiatives. She is a firm believer that giving back to the community is a key part of leadership, and she continues to dedicate time to developing the next generation of HR leaders through coaching, training, and public speaking engagements.

Susie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She has completed executive education in organizational development, strategic human resources, and leadership communication, further solidifying her expertise as a transformational leader in human capital management.

With her unparalleled experience in change management, talent strategy, executive coaching, and organizational transformation, Susie is now actively seeking corporate board positions where she can leverage her expertise to drive strategic growth, workforce innovation, and business excellence. She is passionate about helping organizations scale, evolve, and build future-ready leadership teams that align with long-term business goals.

Character:

Susie Long is a leader who prioritizes integrity, resilience, and a commitment to fostering strong, high-performance cultures. She builds trust and collaboration within organizations, ensuring that teams feel empowered and aligned with a shared vision for success.

Knowledge:

With nearly four decades of expertise in global HR strategy, talent management, and organizational development, Susie brings a deep understanding of workforce transformation. Her experience spans multiple industries and international markets, allowing her to develop data-driven, people-focused strategies that drive business success.

Strategic:

Susie is a proven architect of enterprise transformation, aligning human capital strategies with long-term business objectives. She has successfully led large-scale talent initiatives that improve efficiency, enhance profitability, and position organizations for sustainable growth.

Communication:

A skilled and empathetic communicator, Susie excels in executive coaching, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement. She ensures that leadership strategies are clearly articulated, embraced at all levels, and effectively implemented to drive measurable results.