As a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team, I spearheaded legal research, tackling complex issues surrounding corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and labor law. Proactively identifying and mitigating risks, I safeguarded our company’s interests during the transition from a publicly traded entity to a privately held organization, managing all legal and regulatory aspects. My leadership extended to pioneering tools and practices that significantly boosted… Show more As a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team, I spearheaded legal research, tackling complex issues surrounding corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and labor law. Proactively identifying and mitigating risks, I safeguarded our company’s interests during the transition from a publicly traded entity to a privately held organization, managing all legal and regulatory aspects. My leadership extended to pioneering tools and practices that significantly boosted the efficiency and accessibility of our legal department.Key Achievements:• Negotiated high-profile settlements in California class actions, effectively avoiding costly litigation and achieving a $3M reduction in departmental spending over two years through strategic budget adjustments.• Streamlined the internal contract approval process, enhancing both efficiency and compliance.• Managed strategic oversight of over $5M in annual legal expenses, optimizing resource allocation and forming a responsive legal team of five professionals post-Great Resignation.• Initiated a Belonging, Equity, and Diversity (BED) Steering Committee, fostering an inclusive corporate culture.• Developed and launched a legal department helpdesk and a self-help resource landing page, enhancing legal support across 370+ stores and 7 distribution centers.• Implemented a new Commercial Contract Lifecycle Management software, streamlining operations and enhancing departmental effectiveness. Show less

Leading the Americas legal department post-acquisition by a private equity firm, I managed the separation of sister companies within our corporate family, ensuring smooth operational transitions. My strategic focus was on refining internal protocols to boost compliance, minimize regulatory risks, and support the deployment of advanced commercial contract management software to automate the contract approval process. My role also involved conducting comprehensive analyses of administrative costs… Show more Leading the Americas legal department post-acquisition by a private equity firm, I managed the separation of sister companies within our corporate family, ensuring smooth operational transitions. My strategic focus was on refining internal protocols to boost compliance, minimize regulatory risks, and support the deployment of advanced commercial contract management software to automate the contract approval process. My role also involved conducting comprehensive analyses of administrative costs and playing an active role in global compliance and safety strategies.Key Achievements:• Successfully reduced the legal department’s budget by 20% without sacrificing service quality.• Managed legal, risk, and compliance functions across four continents, supporting a diverse employee base of about 6,400 through strategic deployment of thirteen legal and compliance professionals. • Actively contributed to the Global COVID-19 Task Force, addressing pandemic-related challenges and implementing mitigation strategies during significant revenue downturns.• Engaged in pivotal DEI initiatives, including leadership roles on the DEI Steering Committee and participation in the Inaugural International Women's Day Celebration. Show less

Head of Legal for the Americas at Williams Lea Tag

As the primary employment counsel for North America, I was an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team, advising on employment law across multiple business sectors including Automotive, Manufacturing, Engineering, Chemical, and Energy. My responsibilities encompassed negotiating client contracts, enhancing operational efficiencies, and representing the company in various legal proceedings.Key Achievements:• Chaired a combined labor and employment committee for North America and Latin… Show more As the primary employment counsel for North America, I was an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team, advising on employment law across multiple business sectors including Automotive, Manufacturing, Engineering, Chemical, and Energy. My responsibilities encompassed negotiating client contracts, enhancing operational efficiencies, and representing the company in various legal proceedings.Key Achievements:• Chaired a combined labor and employment committee for North America and Latin America, managing all employment litigation and agency complaints in the US and Canada.• Provided leadership and professional development for two direct reports and guided five commercial contract managers, enhancing team performance and legal strategies.• Established and chaired the North America and Latin America employment law practice group, strengthening our legal framework across the continents.• Promoted inclusive workplace policies as an active member of the North American DEI Steering Committee and led national training initiatives for the DHL Certified Logistics Professional Program. Show less

Aaron Granger helps public and private sector employers limit their liability by providing training that helps them maintain compliance with Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA and other state employment laws. He also represents public sector employees in labor relations. When employment discrimination claims arise, he defends employers before the EEOC, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and in state and federal court. Aaron also handles workers' compensation claims throughout the state of Ohio.