Michael Seidel

Senior leader in Product Safety, Regulatory Affairs and Product Stewardship with more than 25 years of international experience in chemicals, advanced materials and regulated applications. Proven track record in developing global regulatory strategies, leading multicultural teams, influencing regulatory frameworks and representing industry interests before authorities, trade associations and key stakeholders. Recognized for building high-performing organizations, driving regulatory excellence and translating complex regulatory developments into business opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.

Extensive expertise in chemical legislation, product safety, food contact materials, sustainability regulations and global compliance.

Global Product Stewardship Manager; Global Product Stewardship Raw Materials · Manager EMEA Products at Celanese Services GmbH (2011-03 – Present)

Team leadership: 7 direct, 4 indirect, 5 external reports Key responsibilities:

• Define and drive global Product Stewardship and Regulatory Compliance strategies for raw materials and regulated product applications.
• Lead international teams and cross-functional initiatives supporting regulatory compliance, business growth and risk management.
• Member of leadership structures supporting EMEA business organizations and strategic decision making.
• Develop and implement global governance processes, operating models and compliance frameworks.
• Anticipate emerging regulatory developments and translate them into actionable business strategies.
• Lead Product Stewardship activities related to food contact, drinking water contact, toys, PFAS, recycled plastics, ESPR and PPWR requirements.
• Drive M&A due diligence and integration activities as Product Stewardship project lead.
• Build internal capabilities through structured training programs, mentoring and knowledge-transfer initiatives.
• Establish strong networks with senior business leaders, customers, authorities and industry organizations.
• Represent company interests in trade associations and external stakeholder platforms.
• Lead regulatory positioning and advocacy activities supporting sustainable innovation and market access.

Project Manager at Technidata AG / SAP AG (2010-01 – 2011-02)

• Development of a global expert network for Material Safety Data Sheets
• Description of generic EU-REACH business processes
• Customer training on REACH requirements
• Representation in industry associations
• Participation in ECHA hearings (0.1% interpretation)

Environmental Expert Germany → Environmental Manager Germany → EU Lead Waste Legislation → REACH Strategy Lead at Hewlett-Packard (2001 – 2009)

• Led European REACH implementation strategy across multiple business divisions.
• Represented industry interests before the European Commission and ECHA.
• Contributed to development of European regulatory guidance and implementation frameworks.
• Developed industry-wide positions through cross-company working groups and associations.
• Strategy development, lobbying, impact analysis, training
• REACH Implementation Manager for Europe
• Stakeholder Expert to the EU Commission (RIP 3.8)
• Founding member of the ITC Round Table on REACH
• Partner Expert to ECHA (Substances in Articles Guidance Revision)
• EU responsibility for waste legislation, EWC, TFS, WFD

Project Leader at Unilog Integrata Consulting (1998-11 – 2000-12)

• Environmental, chemical industry, and logistics projects
• Objective achievement, customer relationship management, negotiations
• Translation of content requirements into data models
• Leadership of consultant teams

Consultant at German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) (1998-07 – 1998-10)

• Introduction of new waste legislation (KrW/AbfG)
• Environmental legal compliance consulting

Waste Management at Merck KGaA (1997-06 – 1998-06)

• Development of new recycling services (Retrologistik®)
• Compliance control across Germany and Europe
• Development of chemical take-back logistics

Sales Promotion IT at Hewlett-Packard Germany (1996-01 – 1997-05)

Packaging Engineering System at 3M Germany GmbH (1996-08 – 1996-12)

Self-employed scientific work at University of Konstanz & LfU Karlsruhe (1994-09 – 1995-08)

European Diploma in Environmental Sciences – Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise (Belgium) (1996-01 – 1996-01)

Diplom in Chemistry – Institute of Biochemistry Freiburg · in cooperation with Sandoz AG Basel (1993-02 – 1993-09)

Chemistry Studies in Chemistry – University of Freiburg (1989-04 – 1992-12)

Chemistry Studies in Chemistry – University of Kaiserslautern (1986-10 – 1988-08)

Abitur – Staatliches Saarpfalz-Gymnasium Homburg (1976 – 1985)

Military Service – German Armed Forces (1985-07 – 1986-09)