Grațiela Zaharia

Profile
Dynamic and versatile corporate affairs professional with 20 years of progressive experience across diverse industries including IT&C, Oil & Gas, Agriculture & Food, Automotive, and Shared Services. Recognized for exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills. Adept at navigating complex, multicultural environments, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Passionate about legal technology, organizational transformation, and fostering inclusive, future-ready workplaces. Known for a forward-thinking mindset, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

LinkedIn Summary
I am a passionate and forward-thinking corporate affairs leader with 20 years of experience navigating the legal and business landscapes of multinational organizations. My journey has taken me across industries—from IT and Oil & Gas to Agriculture, Automotive, and Shared Services—where I’ve built high-performing teams, led strategic initiatives, and championed innovation.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities. I thrive on building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change—whether I’m implementing legal tech solutions, designing employee experience programs, or advising senior leadership on complex, cross-border projects.

Adaptability and curiosity are at the heart of my approach. I’m committed to continuous learning, with a deep interest in neuroscience, education, and the future of work. I believe that empathy, clear communication, and a growth mindset are essential for success in today’s dynamic environment.

Let’s connect if you’re passionate about legal innovation, corporate transformation, or building inclusive, future-ready teams. I’m always open to sharing insights, learning from others, and exploring new ways to make an impact.

Career trajectory summary
Throughout my 20-year career, I have thrived at the intersection of law, business, and innovation within leading multinational organizations. My professional journey spans diverse sectors—including IT, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Automotive, and Shared Services – where I have consistently demonstrated agility and adaptability in the face of rapid change.

Navigating complex, multicultural environments has been both my challenge and my strength. I have led cross-functional teams across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, building bridges between cultures and disciplines to deliver impactful, forward-thinking solutions. My approach is rooted in a global perspective, a passion for continuous learning, and a commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to drive organizational transformation.

With a proven ability to anticipate trends, embrace new technologies, and foster inclusive, high-performing teams, I am dedicated to shaping the future of corporate affairs and legal operations in an ever-evolving world.

EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF LAWS • JUNE 2005
Faculty of Law, University of Craiova

MASTER OF SCIENCE • JUNE 2008
International Management and Marketing, Academy of Economic Studies, University of Bucharest

Career History
2021-Present
LEGAL SHARED SERVICES MANAGER
THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO.

2015-2021
EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE/DEVELOPMENT LEAD
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE

2014–2015
GLOBAL PROCUREMENT CONTRACT MANAGER
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE

2010–2014
EMEA PARTNER CONTRACT MANAGER
HEWLETT PACKARD COMPANY (prior spin-off)

2009–2010
IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL
CARGILL ROMANIA – CARGILL GROUP

2008–2009
IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL
ROMTELECOM S.A. (prior M&A by DEUTSCHE TELEKOM)

2007-2008
IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL & RMI
OMV ROMANIA MINERALOEL- part of OMV GROUP

2006-2007
IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL
ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ROMANIA