
Michael is available for hire
Hire MichaelMichael Nikrou
Verified Expert in Finance
Management Consulting Expert
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Toptal Member Since
November 17, 2021
Michael has 10+ years of experience in senior private equity and corporate roles in multi-billion dollar companies focused on M&A and transformation projects across China, MENA, and Asia-Pacific. He has worked with high-profile CEOs and investors, leading M&A deals valued from USD 1 million to USD 1 billion under tight timeframes and overseeing the post-deal value creation and transformation programs. Michael joined Toptal to increase his global reach and help more businesses meet their goals.
Financial ModelingPrivate EquityMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)ValuationProject ManagementRevenue & Expense ProjectionsComparable Company AnalysisBusiness Plan ConsultingProfitability AnalysisTurnaround ConsultantMarket SizingMarket ResearchInterim CFOInvestment Analysis
Career Highlights
Vice President
Rank Group
Finance Director
Fonterra
Case Studies
Software Expertise
Other Expertise
Work Experience
Financial Controller
2022 - PRESENT
Fonterra
- Rolled out revised credit policy to reduce exposure in countries with elevated macroeconomic risk.
- Negotiated and signed large customer agreements resulting in significant increases in EBITDA.
- Developed and rolled out a credit modeling approach which improved the effectiveness of the credit management team.
Focus areas: Credit Risk, Credit Policy, Credit Analysis, Credit Modeling, Pricing, New Business Development, Taxation, Financial Accounting, Compliance, Cash Management, Cash Flow Modeling, Procure to Pay, Order to Cash (O2C), Legal, Contract Negotiation, Legal Contract Drafting, Cost Efficiency, People Management
General Manager
2021 - 2022
Abano Healthcare
- Was accountable for acquiring the largest competitor in the market and managed the company post-acquisition until the integration phase was complete.
- Hired a dedicated SWAT team to extract post-acquisition synergies, significantly improving the EBITDA.
- Completed integration activities and handed over the entity to the business.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Buyouts, Acquisitions, Leadership, Board Presentations, Operations, Cost Efficiency, Operational Efficiency Improvement, Interim CFO, General Management, Merger Benefits, M&A (Buy-side), Buy-side, Post-merger Integration
Vice President
2018 - 2021
Rank Group
- Undertook numerous acquisitions with NZD 300+ million in cumulative value targeting the FMCG and retail sectors (FMCG/Retail Roll-Up).
- Acted as the right hand of the CEO and key advisor to shareholders in driving transformation initiatives to turn around a portfolio of acquired companies with significant EBITDA gains achieved.
- Led and mentored the finance team through acquisitions and post-acquisition phases.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Post-merger Integration, Rollup, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Profit Optimization, Market Research, Interim CFO, Turnaround Management, Corporate Finance, Three-statement Modeling, Private Equity, Financial Modeling, Project Management, Revenue & Expense Projections, Valuation, Cash Flow, Business to Consumer (B2C), Forecasting, Profit & Loss (P&L), M&A (Sell-side), Valuation Modeling, Term Sheet Advisory
Finance Director
2017 - 2018
Fonterra
- Set up a strategic joint venture for an FMCG company with local partners in the Middle East region—USD 100 million in revenue.
- Hired and mentored the local team and developed financial frameworks, systems, and processes for the joint venture.
- Designed and implemented a sales and distribution model that reached thousands of retailers and on the ground third-party manufacturing partnerships.
- Drafted and negotiated all joint venture-related legal and commercial agreements with local investors and partners.
- Developed the strategy and business plans along with the forecasts and budgets, valuation, and funding model.
Focus areas: Joint Ventures, Term Sheet Negotiations, Contract Negotiation, Market Sizing, Market Research, Cross-border Projects, Interim CFO, Three-statement Modeling, Financial Modeling, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Project Management, Revenue & Expense Projections, Valuation, Cash Flow, Business to Consumer (B2C), Forecasting, Profit & Loss (P&L), M&A (Sell-side), Valuation Modeling, Term Sheet Advisory
Investment and Strategy Analyst | Program Manager
2015 - 2017
Fonterra
- Managed numerous large-scale investments, M&A, and Joint Ventures deals across the agriculture, manufacturing, and FMCG sectors in China—USD 1+ billion with an average IRR of 15%.
- Led the China footprint optimization workstream resulting in CAPEX savings of USD 40 million.
- Developed a business case for setting up cropping farms in China using dairy farm fertilizer.
- Presented the business case proposal to the steering committee and subsequently implemented the solution as the project manager—USD 40 million CAPEX; USD 100 million annual revenue; 20% ROI.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Joint Ventures, Funding Process, Sell-side, China, Valuation, Market Sizing, Three-statement Modeling, Financial Modeling, Project Management, Revenue & Expense Projections, Cash Flow, Forecasting, Profit & Loss (P&L), M&A (Sell-side), Valuation Modeling
Education
2010 - 2012
Graduate Diploma in Science with Distinction in Mathematics
Massey University - Palmerston North, New Zealand
2008 - 2011
Bachelor of Business Studies Degree in Finance and Economics
Massey University - Palmerston North, New Zealand