Sir Michael Rake
Special Situations Advisor
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Biography
Sir Michael Rake helps Astraea’s clients navigate high-stakes special situations, particularly involving complex legal, commercial, financial or leadership issues, or where sensitive regulatory and government engagement may be required
Sir Michael Rake (Sir Mike) is one of the UK’s most well known business leaders, recognised for his expertise in handling crises and complex Special Situations. His strategic counsel is highly sought after in matters involving legal, commercial, financial, leadership, and regulatory issues and he has built a strong reputation as a corporate ‘trouble-shooter’. As Global Chairman of KPMG International, he steered the firm through existential threats, including a potential criminal indictment in the US. Sir Mike has held senior roles at major companies such as BT, Barclays, McGraw Hill (S&P Global), and easyJet, guiding them through significant challenges during and after the financial crisis.
He has advised UK Prime Ministers from different political parties, held multiple business advocacy and government advisory roles and been involved in a number of successful private equity investments, including the IPO of Worldpay Inc (now FIS Global). As part of his various roles, Sir Mike maintained close relationships with the UK’s security services. His international experience spans the US, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with expertise in sectors including professional services, banking and payments, telecoms, airlines, technology, oil and gas, healthcare and education.
Sir Mike was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for his services to accountancy and made a Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Emperor of Japan in 2021, for his work on strengthening UK-Japan economic relations. Currently, he chairs Wireless Logic Ltd, Newday Ltd, Phoenix Global Resources and Majid Al Futtaim Holdings. He also serves as a senior advisor to Elliott Advisors and a director of Trust Payments Ltd. Sir Mike was Chairman of the governors at Wellington College until 2016 and Chair of Great Ormond Street Hospital until 2023.