His untimely demise saddend me deeply. We didn't do anything in the USA that didn't follow his advice. Because his professional expertise was as outstanding as his humanity. His exceptional integrity, his straightforwardness and fairness, his openness and loyalty won us all over. Everyone in the global team sought his friendship and was proud when they found Mike's attention. He was always very clear and demanding on issues, personally understanding and forgiving. He was equally at home in the world of American corporations as he was in that of a German family business. We learnt so much from him and he made it easy for us to take his advice because he liked people. He was kind to everyone and his warmth towards me was a gift. I have such fond memories of the evenings when I arrived in Atlanta and was picked up by Mike. He drove me to a rustic restaurant in an older, hilly neighbourhood where we enjoyed a heavenly tuna steak. And talked, about family, business, rarely politics. It was a heart-warming ritual.
Ulrich Blank