Sir Michael Lockett

Sir Michael is a trusted advisor to some of the world's most powerful and influential individuals, companies and institutions. He has more than 40 years of experience managing reputations and producing memorable moments.

As Chair of Audley, he specialises in all the elements needed to build, enhance, protect and sustain a reputation.

Earlier in his career Sir Michael worked in advertising before starting his own company, LIVE, the world's largest independently-owned live marketing business. At LIVE, he conceived the Hong Kong Handover Ceremony, British Airways' global relaunch and the London Eye's first New Year's Eve spectacular. He was also instrumental in developing “the story” for London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics, as well as the campaigns for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

During the 1992 General Election campaign, Sir Michael headed the Conservative Party's presentation team for PM John Major. After a successful leadership campaign for David Cameron, for whom he subsequently staged the 2013 G8 summit, Sir Michael suggested his role was taken in-house which brought his 15-year service to a close.

He directed HM The Queen's Golden Jubilee Concerts at Buckingham Palace and has worked with HRH The Prince of Wales' office since 2004.

In 2012, Sir Michael chaired the businesses in charge of the Royal Launch of The Shard as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. He was CEO of the Thames River Pageant, and The Queen honoured him with a knighthood for his contributions to the project. Michael was Co-Chair of HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant 2022, widely recognised as a triumph, and which turned out to be the final public appearance of Her Late Majesty The Queen.

He founded Audley to advise corporate, governmental and institutional leaders around the world. His other business concerns include education, research, events, executive search, branding, and film/digital.