Michael is a growth-focused leader who has helped build iconic, consumer-loved and shopper-relevant brands. He leads all consumer packaged goods and strategic vendor partnership relationships for the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), the world’s largest independent supermarket network. In the US, the IGA network represents more than 1,950 independent grocery retailers with more than $12 billion in annual sales. 

In 2023, The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) acquired the management consulting service What Brands Want LLC, which Michael founded in 2013, where he partnered with CPG, retail, food, media, agencies, and marketing tech startups. Michael helped drive brand growth through strategy and marketing thought-leadership for Johnson & Johnson, Gannett/USA Today, Walmart, General Mills, Meat & Livestock Australia, Sandwich America, Reckitt, and Kimberly-Clark. 

Among other responsibilities, Michael leads The IGA Red Oval Partnership Program, providing growth opportunities for CPG brands, helping them more effectively market to independent retailers and shoppers, an audience traditionally challenging to reach. 

Previously, Michael held various roles in shopper marketing, loyalty, digital marketing, and brand management during a 15+ year career at The Coca-Cola Company.