Michael is an experienced executive search consultant, and he has successfully completed more than 250 senior level searches across the globe, including over 50 CEO placements & 40 Chair/NED placements. He has previously served as a CEO and Non-Executive Director in industry, and combines this industry experience with his international search experience to place Board members, Chief Executive Officers and other C-level executives. Michael is a key member of the Heidrick & Struggles Global Industrial & Consumer Practices + CEO & Board Practice - with a specific focus on: - Global agriculture + the end to end food value chain & Natural Capital;- Real Estate, Property & Construction;- Broader Industrial sector; - Defence. You can contact Michael on mthomas@heidrick.com Prior to his search career he served as CEO of AsureQuality, Asia Pacific’s largest food safety, quality assurance and biosecurity company with 2,000 employees throughout Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. He was responsible for expanding the company’s executive bench, surpassing profit targets and rapidly growing the business offshore. Michael also held senior executive roles with PGG Wrightson, New Zealand’s largest listed agribusiness, with operations in Australasia, Asia and South America. During his tenure, he led the $1 billion retail and financial services businesses overseeing a broad network of over 100 locations. During his 10 years with AWB (acquired by Cargill), Australia’s leading soft commodities marketer, Michael led the organisation’s $4 billion retail business servicing 90,000 clients in a national network of 400 locations, as well as leading corporate strategy; M&A; marketing; corporate affairs; human resources; and investor relations. Michael has a Master of Economics (Distinction) from the University of New England; a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide (Most Distinguished Student Prize); a Graduate Diploma of Agricultural Economics; and a Graduate Diploma of Finance and Investment from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
Listed skills include Strategy, Leadership, Change Management, Business Strategy, and 25 others.
