Michael is an accomplished senior executive with a 28-year track record of proven success in managing and growing business, launching new divisions, establishing start-ups/carve-outs and diversifying the customer base in some of the most competitive global markets.. He was honored to be able in his career to lead dynamic teams around the world that worked cross functionally to formulate and execute strategic business plans, launch products, and develop new customers; all which consistently increase revenue and EBITDA. One of Michael’s differentiators is his extensive international business experience. He studied and worked abroad in Japan for 7 years. While in Japan, Michael learned and applied TPS, TPM and Japanese business practices.

In the leadership roles he has held, Michael has been recognized for creating detailed strategic plans with clearly outlined actions,  leading the execution of the plans to successfully break into difficult markets and profitably growing business in very short periods of time. Selling US products to Japanese, Korean, and Chinese manufacturers, introducing and winning contracts for newly developed solar reflectors for solar plants with 25-year guarantees, and re-establishing customer relationships that were destroyed by previous managers are some of the achievements Michael has been responsible for.

Currently Michael leads Advant, LLC. a consulting and investment company.  He consults tiered suppliers to the global OEMs, companies that need assistance with transformations and growing sales, and working with start ups.  Direct investments are focused on e-mobility, software, and various applications for AI and the Iot.

Prior to the most recent role, Michael has served in the following roles: 

Global Vice President Sales and Engineering for Lydall Thermal and Acoustical where he managed the global commerical and engineering organization with teams in US, Germany, Japan and China through the challenges of the pandemic. 

 Global Vice President Light Vehicle Coatings, for Axalta Coatings Systems, managing $1.4B of revenue and 1,400 associates servicing 183 automotive assembly plants around the world.  In addition, he was a Member of the Board for Axalta Shinto Coating Systems, a $50M joint venture with Shinto Paint in Japan.

Vice President Americas, Japan & Korea OEM Coatings with $500M in revenue. In this position, Michael was awarded The Senior Leadership Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Business.  The improved results helped the Carlyle Group execute its second most profitable IPO in its history.

Before joining Axalta, Michael spent 12 years working at Guardian Industries, a $6B manufacturer of glass and exterior trim parts for cars. During his tenure at Guardian, he was successful at bringing new reflectors for solar power generation to market. At Guardian, he was appointed Global General Manager, Concentrating Solar Power. In this role he created a new division, developed products and grew the business from nothing to over $50M in 3 years.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in Contemporary Japan with an emphasis on Economics from Essex University, United Kingdom and Ehime University, Japan. He is a life-long learner and has attended the Executive Education, Finance program at Northwestern University the Kellogg School of Business. Michael has strengthened his leadership capabilities by attending the Center for Creative Leadership and The Disney Institute.