He has developed his core skills during extensive experience over many years of financial and business management in various sectors and countries around the world and in increasingly senior roles. During this time, he acquired in depth knowledge of how to develop and restructure different businesses, adapting strategy and operations to achieve success. Mike was Group Finance Director of Severn Trent plc from 2005 until his retirement from the board in 2015. Prior to that, between 2000 and 2005, he was Group Finance Director of Novar plc. He has held various senior roles, both in the UK and internationally, at Rolls-Royce plc, CarnaudMetalbox, Elf Atochem and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Until January 2017, Mike was also Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at investment trust, The Merchants Trust PLC.