MBA Oxford University – Institute of International Finance.

Additional Language:   German.  Conversant.

Career History

Mike left Magna International at the end of 2004 to pursue a career combining interim management along with selected other roles requiring his unique skill and vision pertaining to business development and sales acquisition. He regularly works at senior management and board level however on occasion his ability to quickly solve problems within junior management levels has proved to be a very successful and beneficial service for his clients.

With an extensive automotive and general industry background as well as broader experience within the professional services sector, he has held a number of senior positions ranging from sales director, executive director through to board member. Typically with responsibility for strategic account and business development, programme, project and operational management. Mike completed a traditional engineering apprenticeship within the heavy engineering and general industrial sectors, where he received his engineering degree and latterly studied for an MBA at Oxford University. During the mid 1990’s he moved into the automotive industry working for a Tier 1 global supplier initially living in UK and then as an expatriate in Germany.

1996 – 2004 Magna International Group of Companies (UK & Germany): Including:-

2002 – 2004 Intier Automotive / Magna Int’l Germany. Executive Director.

Based in Germany and responsible for Automotive commercial & customer account related management.

2001 – 2002 Decoma Europe / Magna International: Sales and Programme Director

Responsible for leading the development & implementation of a new operational strategy.

2000 - 2001 Magna International (Germany). Executive Director:

Co-ordination and development of specific European key account customers & OEMs.

1996 – 2000: Magna Interior Systems (UK). Business Manager

Responsible for business development within the vehicle interiors customer business units.

Interim and Consulting Experience.

• Senior Programme Management – Global Vehicle Manufacturer Germany.
• Interim Global Director of sales for a German GmbH – following an incumbent director’s resignation and during a critical phase of a sales acquisition and business development cycle supported and won targeted new business.
• New market study and positioning analysis for a UK business (FTSE 250 rated) planning to enter China, including primary research into modes of market entry (JV, Licence, WOS or Export methods).
• Board Member, European Professional Services Company / quality management. Strategic Design and implementation of an international business development process for new services and portfolio expansion within East and Western Europe.