Michael holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the Private University of the German Federal Reserve Bank, a Diploma in International Management from INSEAD Business School, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from the University of St. Gallen.

In 2021, Michael was appointed Emirates Group CFO and in 2024 was promoted to Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, heading up the Group functions including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Group Investments. During this time, Michael was a board member of Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Flight Catering, MMI/Emirates Leisure Retail, Emirates-CAE Flight Training and Transguard Group (UAE). He was also a member of the Airline Financial Advisory Council of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and chairing the council for many years. Before joining Emirates in 2006, Michael held various managerial positions at Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance, Thomas Cook AG and Berlin Chemie AG.

End of June 2026, Michael stepped down from his position as Chief Financial and Group Services Officer to focus on family matters back home in Germany and the private foundation he and his wife have established. He also continues as a guest lecturer at the University of St. Gallen.