Irish-born, Michael likes a beer. Fortunately, he has been in the beer industry for more than 20 years, working in 12 countries on four continents with breweries both large & small, so he gets to taste & brew some great beers! Michael is based in in Saigon, Vietnam where he launched Platinum Beverages with the aim of bringing 100% natural craft beer to Vietnam. The first beer, Platinum Pale Ale, was released June 2014, Golden ale November 2015 and East Sea in July 2017, with more beers to follow. Michael is also the Managing Director of Pomegranate, Singapore with its major focus on supply of customised and private label beer globally. Prior to starting his own business, Michael held the role of GM of the Matilda Bay Brewing Company, Australia’s first craft brewery. There he was responsible for the portfolio of craft beers including the classic Australian Beez Neez & Redback. He also rolled out some “out-there” beers with the world’s first pale coffee based “Crema” and the Belgian saison “Barking Duck”. During seven years at Lion-Nathan, his highlights include: – Creation of James Squire Golden Ale, which became the biggest selling James Squire beer. – Creation and roll-out of national franchise system for the “James Squire Brewhouse” brewpub chain. He holds two honours degrees: an LLB from Trinity College, Dublin (with a scholarship to read Law at the Sorbonne) and a BSc in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.