Michael Woodford worked his way up through the ranks of Olympus to become the first non-Japanese head of the 92 year-old company. However, he was dismissed after just four months in the position when he uncovered explosive financial irregularities. The story is set to reverberate around the world – just... Read more
Michael Woodford worked his way up through the ranks of Olympus to become the first non-Japanese head of the 92 year-old company. However, he was dismissed after just four months in the position when he uncovered explosive financial irregularities. The story is set to reverberate around the world – just as four UK newspapers have named Michael their Business Person of the Year. According to the Editor of the Financial Times, he “captures the spirit of boldness.”
Leaving school at 16 Michael started out as a management trainee at Lucas Aerospace and put himself through Millbank College of Commerce. Then after a spell at Cadbury Schweppes, he joined the sales force at KeyMed, the UK medical equipment division of Olympus. He made his way up the ladder over the next three decades, running their American and Russian businesses before becoming Executive MD of Olympus Europe. Two years later he was one of only five foreign nationals ever to take the helm of a global Japanese corporation.
Just after taking up his appointment as President and CEO, Michael Woodford discovered that hundreds of millions of dollars had been transferred to mysterious accounts, many in the Cayman Islands tax haven. When he brought it to the attention of his Chairman and board, and informed a contact at the Financial Times, he was instantly sacked. Told that he should fear for his safety, he returned to London and briefed the Serious Fraud Office, setting in train a series of investigations which would involve the SFO, the FBI and the Toyko Police. The scale of fraud is estimated to be $1.7billion, over twenty years. Keen to right the wrongs, Michael also offered to return to Olympus, but was rejected by shareholders.
The Olympus tale takes in the Yakuza crime syndicate and Japanese concepts of loyalty and reputation. More importantly for Western business audiences, it gets to the heart of what is and what isn’t ethical capitalism. In a typically frank and entertaining way, Michael Woodford tells the story in a keynote or after dinner speech – exploring lessons of corporate morality and risk management against a truly dramatic, and still unfolding backdrop.
Books
‘Terminated’ – published in April 2012 by Hayakawa, Tokyo
‘Exposure’ – to be published in November 2012 by Penguin, New York & London
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Michael Woodford's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Michael tailored to your event.
Michael Woodford speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Michael to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Michael Woodford for events worldwide, subject to Michael's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Michael Woodford is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Michael can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Michael Woodford on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Michael can offer.
Michael Woodford delivers keynotes in Japanese. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Michael Woodford's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Michael's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Michael Woodford can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Michael's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Michael Woodford is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Michael Woodford, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Michael's current availability for your dates.