I remember when I first joined Mercer I had a few opportunities to speak to Michael early on as part of my work on the modelling tools we used. I was equal parts eager and equal parts nervous to ever speak to Michael as I knew he’d instantly solve my problem but also because I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of him. This was because he was so well known and respected at Mercer, and for good reason. In 2016 I was fortunate enough to join the strategy team and work alongside Michael on a day-to-day basis for the next 5+ years. In time I was able to perhaps help him in places and even point out a mistake or two he’d made, although that was rare. One thing I could never help him with was his terrible email management and had to resort to adding his name and ‘please look at this’ in capital letters in some email subjects. Michael was a pleasure to work with and I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so. But for me, where Michael excelled was as part of our quiz team in the many Mercer internal quizzes we…

I had the pleasure of working with Michael as his HRBP when I supported his team for a number of years. Michael loved his team, wanting them all to excel.  He gladly took advice and guidance as to the best way of supporting his team ensuring they grew and developed, being the best they could be at Mercer.  Michael was patient and understanding showing kindness to all. Although  he knew he had to have some difficult conversations with team members, he treated them with dignity and respect, gently coaching them to improve.  Michael always had time for people and HR. I was deeply saddened by Michael’s passing. Lucy, you and the family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.  Michael will be missed. Donna…

I worked closely with Michael since I joined in 2013, although I think we briefly overlapped at the Bank of England a long time ago.  We had a similar perspective on our work, although he was much more rigourous than me, which sometimes frustrated me and amused him. His broad knowledge about most things inside and outside of work would have him a perfect University Challenge partner and meant I would reach out to him if i wanted an idea stress tested or fact checked. Because he did his job so well, it made it much easier for the rest of us to do our job well and have a more enjoyable and successful career as a result. On a more personal basis, he was great colleague and my go to person if I wanted advice on something. I would also gossip with him when he allowed me.  He gave the impression that he didnt approve of gossiping, but I sensed he loved it in practice and I could tell he felt naughtly when sharing some bit of news.  I will miss him personally and professionally and am very grateful to have worked with him and been his friend….

Despite the short time that I shared with Michael, he managed to leave a long-lasting impression on me. It was a true pleasure to work with him, probably in many more ways than I am able to express in words here. He always treated me with respect and was generous with his time. His wit and sense of humour were formidable, and his ingenuity and attitude towards work something to admire. But it was his ability to think critically and gain perspective in any situation that impressed me the most. Michael, thank you for your patience, dedication, and kindness. I will very much miss our proper lunch breaks together, our casual chats about just everything, and your endless insight. It has been an honour to share some of the journey with you, and be sure that we will miss you. Rest in peace….

Despite the short time that I shared with Michael, he managed to leave a long-lasting impression on me. It was a true pleasure to work with him, probably in many more ways than I am able to express in words here. He always treated me with respect and was generous with his time. His wit and sense of humour were formidable, and his ingenuity and attitude towards work something to admire. It was his ability to think critically and gain perspective in any situation that impressed me the most. Michael, thank you for your patience, dedication, and kindness. I will very much miss our proper lunch breaks together, our casual chats about just everything, and your endless insight. It has been an honour to share some of the journey with you, and be sure that we will miss you. Rest in peace….

Michael and I joined the business within a year of each other and worked more or less closely as we moved around different teams over the years.  When we were sat next to each other I’d find us talking about all manner of topics besides investments (politics, wine trading, Eastern Europe, the Berkhamsted Raiders…) and I always looked forward to hearing his thoughts.  He had a quiet yet profound impact on our business, seeing things more clearly, thinking through things more deeply, guiding us without needing to be the face of his work.  It always struck me that when many of us needed a complex mathematical concept explaining it was Michael, the historian, we’d turn to.  He was multi-talented and a patient teacher.  We all miss him a great deal and if ever any of his family wanted to talk about our time with Michael we’re here, and would be honoured to do so….

It is very hard to process the loss of Michael. He has been so influential in the works we do since I joined Mercer across many spectrums. Even I did not get a chance to meet Michael in person, he was always willing to provide his time and help, despite the time zone difference and even if it was not directly related to his job. I had always admired Michael’s intelligence. In meetings, he was never the loudest and the most outspoken, but his words always carried weights and often thought provoking. He always showed humility and modesty in conversations even he was likely the most smart person in most times. This makes him such as great person to have conversations with and look up to. But it makes it very difficult to not having him in our meetings anymore. Michael will be forever missed and will forever be one of the greatest inspiration in my life….

I worked with Michael during his time at Mercer: I remember him joining (although I couldn’t recall if he joined us from the Bank of England or the FCA – turns out he was at both!).  He made an immediate impact on the investment consulting teams when he joined – in terms of his intellect, his understanding and his ability to explain complex ideas to our clients and our colleagues.   I also remember him being a team leader many years ago and how well respected he was in this role – he knew his team well, advocated for them all and sought out opportunities for them, understanding how best to develop them.  He demonstrated genuine interest and care for them and they also cared very much about him. I didn’t work closely with him in recent years, but I did depend on his intellect often!  Michael was very clever and helped to build the global portfolios for us to help our clients invest wisely.  He was never arrogant about his intellect, he was gentle and generous with it, patient and willing to help others so that we could understand and use his intellect and ideas for the benefit of…

There are few people in this world who truly wield the ability to be as intelligent as Michael was, while also maintaining such warmth and humility. Michael always made the entire team feel involved, ensured that no idea was considered a bad idea, and fostered a positive intellectual curiosity within the portfolio construction team. He was truly a gentleman to work with, and I miss working with him immensely.However, Michael’s legacy will absolutely continue at Mercer, as his fingerprints are evident on many key pieces of work. Similar to other comments my colleagues have shared, not only was Michael a pleasure to work with professionally, but he was arguably even better to be around socially. Conversations with him could go in any direction, but were always guided by Michael’s undeniable intellect across a wide array of topics—or by his unrelenting optimism for West Ham. I shared a similar level of uncompromising optimism for England Cricket and Arsenal, which perhaps explains why we got on so well. Following Michael’s tragic passing, it has served as a reminder for us all not to take anything for granted. For Michael’s sake, I will try my hardest to live by this lesson. I…

It was truly a privilege to work closely with Michael. He was someone I viewed as a mentor, not only because of his obvious intellect and sound reasoning, but also because he was honest, caring, generous with his time, and, above all, someone who genuinely cared about your success. I can’t say enough good things about his character. My transition to his team was made seamless due to many of these characteristics. Outside of discussing all things investing, where I naturally tried to learn as much as possible from Michael, I enjoyed spending time discussing history, learning spanish, geography and everything in between. His positive impact to everyone he interacted with will be remembered. He was a joy to spend time with and will be missed dearly. …

Working with Michael for nearly seven years was one of the real privileges of my career. Joining the strategy team i found Michael was always approachable, kind and patient, and I learned a tremendous amount from him because of that. He had a rare mix of sharp intelligence and genuine warmth, and he carried both into everything he did. Outside of work, Michael’s fun, bubbly personality made him the heart of any gathering. He was always ready with a laugh, a story, and an answer to just about any pub-quiz question. He brought people together in a way few can. Michael made a lasting impact on so many of us — through his generosity, his humour and the way he lifted others up. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, and I hope it brings comfort to know how much he was respected and appreciated….

Dear Michael,We have met too often, but I will always remember how kind and supportive you were, especially on my very first day at the London office when no one else thought to help. Your kidness, intelligence, and openess made a deep impression on me. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.  …

It is very difficult to find the words to express how much I will miss Michael. It has been a privilege and an honour to work very closely with Michael for the past 10 years. Michael was nearly always the smartest guy in the room but when combined with his humility and affable demeanour, he became the most valuable and appreciated member of any team. It was this unique skill set and character that led to Michael’s impact being felt more broadly around the world in recent years, with his pioneering work that transformed how we build clients’ total portfolios. There’s rarely been a day since I learned the tragic news where I haven’t walked into the office expecting Michael to be sitting with his morning coffee and croissant, reflecting on the overnight investment and sporting news. We bonded over a mutual love of travel, an appreciation for exploring new ideas and love for our families. Michael had a great sense of humour and the modest grin across his face could always convey when he had cracked a new idea or uncovered something interesting. Michael leaves a giant hole in the hearts of his Mercer family. With deepest condolences…

Michael, thank you for your kindness, your patience, your intelligence & your determination over the years. You were always someone we could turn to if we had questions or issues and you always made time for us. You never acted superior, even with your superior knowledge! It’s really hard to believe that you are gone now. You were an integral part to Mercer in my mind always. We miss you….

Knowing Michael was one of the most positive highlights of my career at Mercer. He was a warm, genuine, and deeply good human being. From the first moment I met him eight years ago, I immediately recognised the honest and ethical person he was. I will never forget the countless times he offered mentorship, guidance, and, above all, true friendship. I’ve been avoiding writing this message because I am still in disbelief that he is no longer with us. His memory will stay with me—and with all who knew him—as that of an immensely great and warm person. I will cherish all those memories forever. May God bless his soul and bring strength and comfort to his family as they navigate this painful loss, holding on to the beauty of his wonderful memory….