About Michael Howe
Michael’s career has been distinguished by his ability to identify consumer needs, create strategic vision, and build nationally recognized brands with companies such as MinuteClinic, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo and Arby’s. He is a pioneer in creating disruptive innovations which change the face of the marketplace.
Most recently, Michael accepted the position of Senior Advisor to Irving Place Capital, a private equity firm currently investing its third fund with $2.7B in committed capital. He also serves as a director for a diverse group of public and private companies, including IntegraMed of America, Wireless Ronin Technologies, SmartReceipt, and DestinationRx. Since 2008, he has led a private consulting practice which exists to provide experience-proven strategies to organizations wanting to clarify their growth opportunities, improve organizational effectiveness, and enhance system-wide innovation.
As the former Chief Executive Officer of MinuteClinic, he provided the strategic leadership which led to the national expansion of this innovative concept. Under Michael’s leadership MinuteClinic, the pioneer and largest provider of retail health care services, grew from just 19 clinics in 2 markets to more than 525 health care centers in 27 states, resulting in a sale of the company to CVS/Caremark in 2006. For his efforts, Mr. Howe was recognized by Fast Company magazine as one of the top 50 people that will change how Americans work and live over the next 10 years.
Michael is also the former President and CEO of Arby’s, a quick service restaurant operating company with 3,400 restaurants and almost $3 billion in annual revenue. In his 4½-year tenure as Chief Executive, Howe successfully led the organization through a challenging turnaround, refreshing the consumer appeal and awareness of this 40-year old icon. His focus was on establishing new operational partnerships with the system’s 450 Franchisees, updating facilities, bringing new products to market, launching a national advertising campaign after a 15-year hiatus, and creating a disciplined service culture. The turnaround produced 17 consecutive quarters of same store increases driving average unit volume up more than 28%.
Highly regarded for both Fortune 100 experience as well as entrepreneurial leadership, Howe’s determination and drive have generated turnaround and high growth opportunities for nationally known consumer brands. For multiple industries, his notable accomplishments include brand differentiation and strategy development, process improvement, multi-unit retail operations and marketing, new product development and expansion, and organizational and executive development.
Michael graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1976 with Bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Accounting.