Michael’s significant experience has spanned across the integrated marketing landscape to lead communications, advertising, media, production, social and digital services. He has therefore spent much of his career driving transformation through creative agencies and clients alike, from brand, culture and organisational change.

Speaking topics he is passionate about include:
● why brand matters
● how to drive team
● people and cultural transformation
● reputation promotion and protection
● the importance of being a Chief Empathy Officer (and not just a CEO) in a time of transformation

Michael is the head of Global Transformation and the Europe, Middle East and Africa CEO of Weber Shandwick, a leading global integrated communications agency. His 25 year career in marketing and communications includes roles as EMEA CEO of Ogilvy PR, Managing Director of Shine Communications and founding Resonate, a UK award-winning consumer consultancy which became part of Bell Pottinger in 2007.

Michael believes business leaders have a responsibility to be informed, which is easier said than done in today’s fast-paced world of 24 hour news, which forces us “to take in a million things at once”. That’s why he turns to podcasts for his daily fix of culture, insight and politics.

“Understanding your power, regardless of which field you operate in, is an invaluable leadership lesson.”

In 2016 (and again in 2020), Michael contributed The PR Handbook – a text used in multiple academic institutions around the world. In 2014, he was appointed to the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) Board of Management.

Previously, Michael was focused on communications strategies for some of the world’s largest brands as well as representing former President Gorbachev and his legacy projects.