Michel May

Chief Executive Officer & Founder | Healthcare & Sustainable Innovation Leader
Chicago, US.

About

Highly accomplished Chief Executive Officer and Founder with over 15 years of international experience in healthcare consulting, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation leadership. Proven track record of transforming ventures into multi-million-dollar enterprises, pioneering eco-friendly technologies, and developing award-winning products. Recognized for exceptional ability through prestigious awards, patents, and extensive media coverage in Forbes and Wired, leveraging multilingual and cross-cultural expertise across USA, Europe, and Asia.

Work

Anzen Health LLC
|

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Chicago, IL, US

Summary

As CEO & Founder, Michel May rapidly scaled Anzen Health into a multi-million-dollar international healthcare consultancy, driving innovation and optimizing supply chains across complex regulatory environments.

Highlights

Scaled Anzen Health into a multi-million-dollar international healthcare consultancy, achieving significant market expansion and revenue growth.

Directed a team of experts in guiding over a dozen clients through complex healthcare innovation and regulatory landscapes in the U.S. and Germany.

Engineered crisis-resilient supply chain solutions for major hospital groups, enhancing operational stability and reducing costs.

Spearheaded procurement and manufacturing of millions of pandemic-related supplies for U.S. government hospitals, securing critical resources during crisis.

Secured a National Interest Exception (NIE) during COVID-19, enabling uninterrupted essential work and supply delivery for critical healthcare operations.

Women's Startup Lab & Hito Institute
|

Consultant

Palo Alto, CA, US

Summary

Provided strategic technical expertise and creative solutions to accelerate female tech founders, contributing to their growth and market readiness within the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

Highlights

Provided critical technical expertise and creative solutions to female tech founders during accelerator phases, enhancing product development and market fit.

Collaborated directly with Ari Horie, a top 100 influential woman worldwide, to drive strategic initiatives and program development.

Mentored and advised female tech founders in Silicon Valley, fostering innovation and business growth.

AIZOME Textiles
|

Founder & CEO

Tokyo, Japan

Summary

As Founder & CEO of AIZOME Textiles, Michel May pioneered eco-friendly dyeing technologies, launched a successful crowdfunding campaign, and expanded global sales while earning prestigious industry recognition.

Highlights

Developed and patented eco-friendly, plant-based dyeing technologies, producing textiles with lasting health benefits and securing intellectual property.

Successfully launched the company via crowdfunding, achieving a $2.25 million valuation within the first year of operation.

Expanded global sales to over 40 countries, serving diverse clients including end consumers, hotels, and care facilities.

Awarded the prestigious Golden Lion at Cannes for innovative product design and sustainable manufacturing.

Co-authored and published peer-reviewed research with the University of Cambridge on the skin-healing benefits of plant-based dyes.

Initiated and led the "WASTECARE" PR campaign in partnership with Serviceplan, raising awareness for sustainable manufacturing by promoting wastewater as skincare.

Brainlab AG
|

Head of Finance, Operations, and Support

Tokyo, Japan

Summary

Directed finance, operations, and support functions for Brainlab AG, significantly increasing service revenue, optimizing infrastructure, and improving customer satisfaction across global markets.

Highlights

Increased service revenue ratio from 9% to 38%, generating an additional ~$7 million in annual revenue.

Orchestrated the establishment of a new 500 sqm office and an 800 sqm medical device warehouse in Tokyo, optimizing operational footprint.

Improved Net Promoter Score (NPS) from -40 to 35 within three years, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction.

Prepared the successful rollout of a new CT scanning unit for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Parkinson treatments, ensuring market readiness.

Nippon Zoki Pharmaceutical Co.
|

Consultant

Summary

Advised a traditional Japanese pharmaceutical company on integrating human-centered design and fostering creative thinking to drive innovation.

Highlights

Advised leadership on integrating human-centered design principles to foster innovation across product development.

Cultivated a culture of creative thinking among management in a traditional Japanese pharmaceutical company, driving new strategic approaches.

Brainlab AG
|

Management Associate

Tokyo, Japan

Summary

Managed international in-house consulting projects and optimized sales support, driving operational efficiency and cross-departmental collaboration across diverse global regions.

Highlights

Managed complex in-house consulting projects across 7+ diverse international regions, including South & Middle America, Middle East, Africa, India, Russia, and Japan.

Implemented new CRM tools and provided strategic sales support, enhancing client relationship management and sales performance.

Coordinated cross-departmental cooperation and conducted comprehensive audits of international subsidiaries, improving operational alignment and compliance.

JOSY
|

Band Manager

Summary

Managed an all-girl Japanese rock band, overseeing international tours and securing significant media coverage on MTV.

Highlights

Managed international touring logistics for an all-girl Japanese rock band across Europe and North America.

Secured significant media coverage on MTV, enhancing band visibility and public profile.

United Nations
|

Project Trainee

Summary

Assisted in high-level meetings at the United Nations and facilitated critical communication between UN commissions and the German government.

Highlights

Provided direct support in high-level meetings for the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and Peacebuilding Commission.

Facilitated crucial communication channels between UN commissions and the German government, ensuring effective diplomatic exchange.

Volunteer

Amnesty International
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Fundraiser

Summary

Former fundraiser for Amnesty International, raising awareness and financial support for global causes.

Highlights

Successfully fundraised for Amnesty International, contributing to global human rights initiatives.

Raised awareness and financial support for critical global causes through dedicated outreach efforts.

Education

Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Executive Education

Healthcare Leadership

Courses

Studied innovation, leadership, and resilience in the rapidly changing healthcare industry

Collaborated with senior global healthcare leaders

Trained in design thinking and strategic problem-solving

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Chicago, IL, United States of America

Executive Program

Finance for Executives

Courses

Developed financial policies for departments and organizations

Assessed investment projects, corporate assets, and acquisitions

Gained advanced understanding of financial analytics and techniques

Waseda University
Tokyo, Japan

Master of Arts

Political Economy

Courses

Awarded full scholarship by the Japanese Ministry of Education

President of the GSAPS Students' Association Council

Research focused on the intersection of political economy and international relations

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Munich, Germany

Bachelor of Arts

East Asian Studies & Political Economy

Courses

University Scholarship recipient

Majored in Japanese Studies and Political Economy

Tutor for foreign students; involved in cultural exchange programs

University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Certificate

Teaching English to Adults (CELTA)

Grade: Grade A

Awards

Recognition for Innovation in Improving Quality of Life

Awarded By

National Eczema Association

Acknowledged for innovation in improving quality of life through textile products.

Golden Lion

Awarded By

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

Recognized for innovative contributions in sustainable textiles.

Scholarship by the Ministry of Education, Japan

Awarded By

Japanese Ministry of Education

Full stipend covering tuition and living expenses for Master's degree at Waseda University.

Munich University Scholarship for International Organizations

Awarded By

Munich University

Financial support to work with the United Nations and German Foreign Service in New York.

Publications

Featured in Forbes and Fast Company

Published by

Forbes, Fast Company

Summary

Highlighted for entrepreneurial success and innovation in sustainable manufacturing.

Peer-Reviewed Publication on Skin-Healing Benefits of Plant-Based Dyes

Published by

University of Cambridge

Summary

Co-authored and published research on the therapeutic benefits of plant-based dyes for skin health.

Media Appearances

Published by

MTV, Wired, and other international media outlets

Summary

Featured in interviews and articles across prominent international media platforms, showcasing industry expertise and achievements.

Languages

English
German
Japanese
Mandarin

Certificates

Certificate in Teaching English to Adults (CELTA)

Issued By

University of Cambridge

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Issued By

University of Cambridge

Skills

Healthcare Consulting

Regulatory Compliance, Market Expansion, Procurement Optimization, Healthcare Innovation, Crisis Management.

Innovation Leadership

Patented Technologies Development, Cross-functional Team Leadership, R&D Management, Human-Centered Design.

Sustainable Manufacturing

Plant-Based Textile Production Methods, Eco-Friendly Processes, Sustainable Supply Chains, Environmental Impact Reduction.

Strategic Communication

Creative Advertising, Public Relations, Global Campaigns, Brand Storytelling.

Business Development

Business Growth, Market Entry Strategy, Crowdfunding, Global Sales Expansion, Strategic Partnerships.

Operations Management

Supply Chain Optimization, Warehouse Management, CRM Implementation, Operational Auditing, Process Improvement.

Financial Management

Revenue Growth, Financial Policy Development, Investment Analysis, Corporate Asset Management, Acquisitions.

Project Management

Consulting Project Management, Product Rollout, Cross-functional Project Leadership.

Mentorship & Advisory

Startup Mentorship, Accelerator Program Guidance, Tech Founder Support.

International Relations

Diplomatic Communication, Government Liaison, United Nations Protocols, Cross-Cultural Collaboration.

Leadership Programs

Stanford University School of Medicine Leadership Training, University of Chicago Booth Leadership Training.