MLA Places Michael Hammes as Vice President of Legal with Eastman Chemical Company

Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, has announced the placement of Michael Hammes as vice president of legal with Eastman Chemical Company.  The search was led by Melba Hughes, partner and executive director, Deborah Ben-Canaan, partner and global practice leader, and Anne Miller, managing director with MLA’s In-House Legal Recruiting group based in New York, Washington D.C. and Atlanta.

Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day.  As vice president of legal, Mike will serve as a key member of the legal department, lead the large legal team, and work closely with Eastman’s executive vice president and chief legal officer as they continue to enhance their legal capabilities.

Commenting on the placement, Deborah Ben-Canaan said: “Mike’s strong legal acumen, leadership skills and a proven track record of problem solving make him a wonderful addition to the Eastman team.”

With over two decades of expertise in commercial law, Mike has a wealth of experience in various areas including mergers and acquisitions, commercial and government contracts, antitrust and competition, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.  He joins Eastman from Caterpillar Inc. where he served a 16-year tenure within the legal team, most recently as assistant general counsel for corporate development and strategic investments.  He began his legal career as a corporate and business associate with Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Goodwin and Gozdecki & Del Giudice.

Mike holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Notre Dame.