Michael is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Foxford Capital, a strategic and financial advisory firm. He most recently held the position of Senior Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Gordon Brothers Group, an advisory, lending, and investment firm. Previously, Michael was former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt from March 2007 through December 2011. Michael led the Company’s $4 billion acquisition of Harcourt in 2007 and its subsequent integration. In March of 2010, he led the Company’s successful $7.4 billion out of court restructuring, one of the largest balance sheet restructurings of its kind.
An innovative executive with deep strategic planning, operational improvement and cost optimization experience, Michael’s financial acumen includes the management of global mergers and acquisitions, having completed over $10 billion in capital markets transactions including debt and equity issuances in both high growth environments as well as leveraged buy outs. Michael has extensive experience in the business services, financial services, investment management, technology, distribution, and education sectors.
Prior to joining Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Michael previously served in various capacities including President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and a Board of Director at Nextera Enterprises and was a Partner at Oliver Wyman earlier in his career.