My role is to liberate the team by providing them with the most appropriate systems and resources so that they can provide the best possible service to our customers and suppliers. For me it is not just about being the best it is about continuing to remain at the top of that service tree which means never accepting second best or near enough is good enough. No matter how good we think we are there is always scope to improve”.
Having successfully completed his Biochemistry degree in 1978, Michael joined Bestobell Paints as a Development Chemist.
By mid-1980 Michael had moved into Technical Sales with ISC Alloys, a subsidiary of RTZ specialising in the manufacture of anti-corrosive pigments.
Joining RTZ Chemicals in 1983 Chemicals as Export Sales Manager – Coating Additives, Michael became the Worldwide Business Manager - Metal Organics in 1986, a role that was expanded in 1989 to include the Manox Pigments business.
Following the acquisition of RTZ Chemicals by Rhône-Poulenc in 1990 Michael took up an appointment in Australia as Sales & Marketing Director for the recently created Rhône-Poulenc Chemicals. In this position he was responsible for pulling together all of R-P’s global chemical acquisitions and for creating a market oriented business. The principal business orientation included Food Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Personal Care Ingredients, Surface Coatings and Silicones.
In 1991 Michael was appointed to the concurrent (with his Australian) role of Metal Organics Business Manager - Asia Pacific becoming Managing Director of Rhône-Poulenc Chemicals Australia in 1994, a role that brought with it responsibility for New Zealand by 1997 when Rhône-Poulenc Chemicals Australia evolved into Rhodia Australia.
In 1998 Michael left the R-P Group, and relocated to Sydney establishing Trapeze Associates with Giz Paredes in 1999. The name Trapeze being derived from Travers & Paredes.
Michael undertook a period of Executive Consulting from 1999 to 2001 as CEO of The Smith Family’s textile business and was instrumental in developing and implementing a major re-structuring of the business that has resulted in a significantly more profitable operation today.
Michael brings to Trapeze a wealth of experience in general management, sales and strategic marketing coupled with a scientific and manufacturing background.
While Michael and Giz share responsibilities for developing the strategic vision of the company his day-to-day operational role is perhaps best summed up as “Systems and Scientific”. Michael overseas all of the technical and regulatory affairs aspects of the company as well as ensuring that Trapeze has the most appropriate systems and infrastructure in place.