Global Public Policy Advisor
Michael Stopford is a strategic communications, public affairs, and government relations professional, with extensive leadership experience across global public and private sector organizations. Currently, he serves as Founding Partner and Chairman of ANCORED, a company specializing in data-based analysis, strategic communications, and reputation management.
Michael’s core expertise lies in Reputation and Risk Management as well as Government Relations and Public Affairs. He has held senior positions with major multinational corporations, including head of Group Corporate Reputation at The Coca-Cola Company, and chairing the system-wide Public Policy, Sustainability, and Corporate Reputation Council. At Syngenta, he directed Global Public Affairs and Government Relations, managing reputational crises and building alliances with diverse stakeholders across civil society and government. He also headed global issue management and public affairs at ExxonMobil.
In the consulting space, Michael led global corporate strategy at Weber Shandwick, advising high profile clients, including the CEO of Novartis, on crisis management, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. His advisory expertise spanned multiple sectors including agribusiness, defense, healthcare, chemicals, energy, construction, and higher education. As Managing Director of Oxford Analytica, he advised international clients on geopolitical risk and reputation management.
Michael’s public sector experience includes two decades with the United Nations and the World Bank, where he held leadership positions in communications and public relations. At NATO, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Strategic Communications, implementing new digital technologies and reshaping anti-terrorism initiatives. His early career as a UK Diplomat included roles at the UK Mission to the UN and as Embassy spokesman in Vienna.
Beyond his professional roles, Michael is a Visiting Professor and lecturer teaching strategic communications, sustainability, and reputation management at leading institutions including Georgetown University, IULM University Milan, and the Global Campus of Human Rights. Michael is a dual US/UK national. He holds a BA and MA from Oxford University, and is fluent in German, French, Italian, and Spanish, with additional proficiency in several other languages.
