Michael Burdette
Biography
After serving a mandatory stint in the military in his native South Africa, Michael Burdette earned dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Electronics Engineering before taking up a management position with Fenner South Africa, where he established the Industrial Electronics Division. He immigrated to Australia in February 1983 and established the Queensland State branch for Fenner Australia. From there he was transferred to Sydney as GM for Electronics and Fluid Power Divisions. After 13 years with the Fenner Group, he joined a public company as GM and was involved in the successful process of floating this company.
Michael joined Logan Fenamec as CEO in 1988 and after two years was promoted to International Vice President - Manufacturing. Eight companies reported to him, located in Australia, Germany, Sweden, England, USA and New Zealand, their turnover totalling $US 760M. In 1991, Michael started his own business (Thabana Holdings Pty Ltd) specialising in corporate turnaround consulting. This led him, in partnership, to set up METCO providing management training for small to medium business owners under the 'Success Factor' banner. Michael now has over 13 years experience as a management consultant, and has helped more than 4000 businesses in over 15 countries.
Michael's uncanny skill in business turnaround strategies has helped him transform many floundering companies into success stories. His sharp and humorous manner of dispensing solid business advice caught the attention of the media and in 2002, he was invited to participate in a business-mentoring program for ABC television (eight times a week) which went to air at prime time in December 2002. He has also been interviewed on various radio stations in Sydney and is a regular on the international guest speaking circuit, most recently earning rave reviews from talk show hosts during a spring 2007 USA radio tour.
Michael has published a book on business analysis, 'Contemplate Your Business Navel' (distributed in 50 countries) and is soon to publish his second book called 'The Fox, the Pig and the Owl'. This book explains why some make it in business and others don't. He has written many articles for a vast number of business magazines, all over the world.
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Financial and Operational Analysis
- Structure Development
- Refinancing and Financial Negotiations
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Strategy Development
- Reporting Structures
- Management Systems
- Facilitating and Training
- Diagnostic Tools
- Labour Efficiency Performance Measures
STRENGTHS
- Financial Guru
- Strategic
- Charismatic
- Vast Experience
- Hard hitting
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Established the Industrial Electronics Division of Fenner South Africa
- Successful flotation of public company
- CEO of Logan Fenamec, then International VP - Manufacturing. Eight company reports total turnover of $US 760M
- Started own business, Thabana Holdings Pty Ltd, specialising in corporate turnaround consulting
- Started METCO, in partnership, providing management training for small to medium business owners under the 'Success Factor' banner. Was principal architect of the course material
- Experience with over 4000 businesses
- Extensive experience in dealing with foreign companies, both within Australia and abroad, in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the USA
- Headed a billion dollar joint venture in Thailand in the Automotive industry
- Media and international guest speaker appearances
- Successful, published author of management books
QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS
- Graduate Mechanical and Industrial Electronics Engineer
- Postgraduate Marketing Diploma (University of South Africa)
