Mike Branson
Founding Partner & Group Chairman
I studied as a linguist, trained in advertising and landed in design, where I met my future business partners, and, building Pearlfisher together, I feel fortunate to be still enjoying this very special 30-year adventure.
My role has evolved over time – from the early days when I drew directly on my background in client management, to a wider business leadership role, as we have grown and expanded across countries.
An unexpected highlight has been the most recent 12 years living in New York and leading our US business. This period has given me hands-on experience of both our US and UK operations and has equipped me well for my current role as Group Chairman, where I focus on the overall stewardship of the Pearlfisher business across London and New York.
We have always believed in the power of ground-breaking design as a force for good and the potential of a collaborative, independent culture. It’s a culture that, over time, has proved to be resilient and empowering – one where both creative and business excellence are in the spotlight. I see my role as a guardian of that culture, ensuring its continuity in the foundation of Pearlfisher’s growth. In essence it’s about future-proofing our business.
We have developed Pearlfisher around strong values and principles and this has always been a guiding light for me. I’m driven by a desire to build a progressive, world class design business that can be ethical, as well as a platform for outstanding creativity, within a highly collaborative environment where talented and ambitious people can truly flourish.
As Group Chairman, I’ve now graduated to my ideal role within the business, which plays to my natural mentoring style and active facilitative approach to leadership. I’m inherently optimistic, thoughtful, pragmatic and even-handed – I can be the voice of reason in the room and always looking for the ‘win-win’ outcome.
Outside of Pearlfisher over the past decade non-profit trusteeships with Amantani, championing education in Peru, and the Iyengar Yoga Association in New York, have stretched and enriched my experiences. And beyond the working day, road biking stretches and enriches me in other ways – I love the speed of the downhill, the struggle of the uphill and the view from the summit.
