Group Chief Strategy Officer, Sidara

Michael Helou is Group Chief Strategy Officer of Sidara and Chief Transformation Officer of Wood. He brings more than 20 years of experience across corporate finance, investment banking, and strategic leadership, with an international track record spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.

Michael is recognized for shaping long‑term strategy and guiding organizations through transformation. His experience spans growth strategy, mergers and acquisitions, operating model design, and financial planning, underpinned by strong analytical discipline and commercial judgement.

At Sidara, Michael leads group strategy and M&A, with a focus on delivering sustainable growth and diversification, portfolio development, operating model evolution, and long‑term financial planning. Following Sidara’s acquisition of Wood, he was appointed Chief Transformation Officer, joining the Wood Board and executive leadership team, and also serves on Sidara’s Executive Committee and Investment Committee, leading enterprise‑wide transformation initiatives spanning both organizations.

Before joining Sidara in 2014, Michael spent over two decades in investment banking and financial advisory, holding senior roles at Rothschild and Barclays. He began his career at Arthur Andersen, working with governments on privatization and financial sector restructuring programs. Michael is a graduate of the London School of Economics and a qualified accountant.