Before joining Forward Global in 2013, Michel had a long career in the diplomatic service and the aerospace, security & defence industry. 

Michel was a diplomat for the French Ministry for Economy and Industry for 16 years, specializing in trade, aeronautics and defence industry, serving in many African countries and in Canada. He then joined Aérospatiale as President of Aerospatiale Canada and in 1994 moved to Brussels as permanent representative to the EU and NATO. In 2000 he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Director for EU & NATO affairs at EADS and Special Advisor to the chief strategy & marketing officer. He occupied these positions until the end of 2012. 

In parallel Michel has been Chairman of the External Affairs Commission of the European Aerospace and Defense Industry Association, President of the “Europe et Défense” Club, and President of the Club of Representatives of large French companies in Brussels. After twenty five years in Brussels, Michel has a unique knowledge of all EU & NATO issues of interest to the aeronautic and defense industry, and a corresponding, high-level network.