Michael has held a range of programme leadership roles in Mercy Corps over the past two decades, since starting in Edinburgh in 2001. Prior to taking on the role of Interim Executive Director for Mercy Corps Europe, Michael was formerly the Senior Director of Programmes, Funding, and Operations for Mercy Corps Europe. In this role, he oversaw a range of workstreams. As overall Head of Programmes in Europe Michael worked closely with the Regional Directors and global program leadership to ensure quality support was provided to in-country teams in the delivery of European-funded grants and contracts, with specific attention to complex programmes.

Michael has led teams focused on European institutional and Gulf donor engagement, as well as new business development to fulfill Mercy Corps Europe’s growth and diversification strategy. He also oversaw private, corporate, foundation, and trust funding in Europe, ensuring strong alignment with our programmes and coherence across all revenue streams.

He has undertaken country assignments in the Balkans (Bosnia, 2001-2004 and Kosovo, 2004-2005) and in Afghanistan (2009-2011). He was appointed Director of Programmes in 2014, and with the addition of the strategic partnerships function in 2015, has overseen a period of significant growth in European revenue.

Michael has a Master’s Degree from the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit at the University of York and a BSc from the University of Glasgow. He is married with two children and lives in the Scottish Borders.