Michael has been involved in language education and assessment since 1977. His personal expertise encompasses qualitative and quantitative research, strategic leadership and the development of rigorous quality management systems. Michael’s extensive academic, practical and managerial experience in his field is evident, as he has managed a wide range of projects related to operational issues, the development of new examinations and procedures, as well as research, in collaboration with ministries and universities around the world, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe. He started working in Cambridge English Language Assessment in 1989 and held the role of CEO from 2003 until 2014.
He was also involved with the development of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning, Teaching and Assessment (CEFR) from its inception in the early 1990s and was a member of the Steering Group responsible for overseeing its development through the 1990s. He has an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and a Ph.D. in the same field.