Michael is the Managing Director of the Institute. He is also the Chairman and founder of Trade Advisers. He has spent his career managing and delivering consulting, research and technical assistance programmes in international trade development and investment promotion throughout the world. His early career was with the IDA and CTT–the Irish Export Board, at home and overseas. He set up the TDI group of companies to provide international trade development advice. Michael has worked for trade ministries, the World Bank, the European Commission, BP, Vodafone, Rio Tinto and London financial services companies. He was Chairman of British Expertise, the industry body responsible for promoting UK development companies throughout the world, helping members to explore, assess and win business opportunities across the globe. Michael currently manages a portfolio of advisory and training projects relating to international trade challenges and opportunities. Michael holds a B.Comm from University College Dublin and is a Barrister at Law. He has completed management and investment executive education courses at Harvard and London Business Schools.