Michael Woodford MBE

Former President & CEO of Olympus

Michael Woodford MBE is a British businessman who was formerly President and CEO of Olympus Corporation, making him the first non-Japanese person to be appointed as the company’s CEO. However, he was dismissed after just four months in the position when he uncovered explosive financial irregularities.

"Exposing the Olympus scandal"

Topics

The Olympus Scandal
Business Strategy
Overcoming Adversity
Social Responsibility
Risk

Languages

He presents in English.

How he presents

Michael is an outstanding storyteller with raconteur timing and invaluable business insight which make him a highly sought-after speaker.

Publications

2013
Exposure: From President to Whistleblower at Olympus

Microsite

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In Detail

Michael discovered that hundreds of millions of dollars had been transferred to mysterious accounts and when he brought it to the attention of his Chairman and board he was instantly sacked. Told that he should fear for his safety, he returned to London and briefed the Serious Fraud Office, starting a series of enquiries involving the FBI, SFO and the Toyko Police. The scale of fraud was estimated to be $1.7billion, over twenty years. The Sunday Times, The Independent and The Sun, all awarded him the 2011/12 "Business Person of the Year", and he also received the prestigious Financial Times "Boldness in Business" Award. He subsequently founded and became director of Michael Woodford Associates, which provides specialist training and consultancy on corporate governance, business in Japan and workplace cultures.

What he offers you

Michael offers audiences his own insight into this dramatic story. He speaks about risk management, corporate morality and social responsibility providing audience members with real world solutions to real business problems.