Lancaster University Patrons

In 1992 Mike left Johnson and Johnson to become President of DePuy International, Limited. He was named Chief Operating Officer of DePuy Incorporated in 1996.

With the acquisition of DePuy by Johnson and Johnson in 1998, Mike returned to his former company as Worldwide Chairman for DePuy before being appointed to the executive committee in 2001. In addition, he became an Executive Committee member of Advamed, championing the introduction of a Code of Business Conduct within the medical device industry.

Since his retirement from Johnson & Johnson in 2007, Mike joined a number of boards, including Jenavalve Gmbh, Endosense SA, EOS imaging SA and Neoss Ltd. Throughout his career Mike has made a significant contribution to the shaping of the health care environment, both in the US and in Europe, in particular the way new treatment modalities have entered the market and benefited patient

Mike credits much of his career achievement to his excellent education and sound grounding in economic principles. This appreciation has inspired him to lead a project to raise money to fund a Chair in Industrial Economics at Lancaster. Mike has particularly warm memories of his tutor, Elizabeth Brunner, whose guidance and wise counsel he believes played a huge part in his success. As Mike puts it, “Elizabeth was very instrumental in my career, firstly as my tutor on the prestigious S321 course, which she ran superbly. She encouraged me to stay at Lancaster to do my Masters, with my thesis on Pricing in the Motor Car Industry and then helped me with my first role as an Economist for Urwick, Orr and Partners. Elizabeth’s teachings have stayed with me ever since.”

A strong strategic thinker, Mike has built a reputation for openness, integrity and humility. Those who deal with him regularly find great pleasure in his company and much wisdom in his advice.

Mike enjoys time with his wife, Lisa, and their family and has a passion for motor sport. He holds an MSA competition licence and has enjoyed racing since the 1970s. He is also a keen cyclist and regularly rides for charity.

In recent years Mike has committed much time and energy to the service of Lancaster University, first as a member of the Lancaster University Management School Advisory Board and latterly as a member of University Council. He has also been an active supporter of alumni activities, hosting events in London on Lancaster’s behalf.

He served in leadership capacities with Phillip Morris International (PMI) and subsidiaries for over 30 years, most recently as the managing director of Coltabaco (Philip Morris Colombia) in Bogota from 2010-11. During his career, Simon has worked and been based in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Today, Simon is a member of the board of Imperial Brands PLC as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He is also Chairman of PharmaCielo Ltd a Canadian company working in the field of medicinal cannabis.

With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is majority owned by Hearst.