As Chief Brand and People Officer at online retailer, AO.com he led the business’ communications and marketing activities and headed up the business’ people function. Prior to AO Michael was Group Marketing Director at The Coop, delivering the rebranding and repositioning of the Group. He held Managing Director positions at 2 privately owned, Yorkshire-based businesses: online fashion retailer Joe Browns and luxury bed maker Harrison Spinks. He spent 17 years at Morrisons in commercial buying and marketing roles, including 7 years as Marketing Director.

He now owns and runs The Blue Barn, a leading independent pet supplies and animal feeds business and has non-executive director roles at a number of online retail businesses. Michael was born in Bradford and lives in the Wharfe valley on a farm with his family.