Michael Zakkour
Managing Director
Michael is a thought leader and hands-on practitioner in building and transforming businesses for the global “Digital Economy.” Michael is one of the world’s leading experts in digital commerce, the new retail model, immersive marketing, and globalization.
He has more than 25 years of experience in digital commerce and retail, and as a CEO, CMO, and FOUNDER has innovated new go-to-market, activation and marketing strategies and tactics for some of the world’s biggest brands, retailers and CPGs, including SAKs 5th Avenue, LVMH, The Coca Cola Company, Church and Dwight, Microsoft, Alibaba, Zebra, Starbucks, Unilever and Welch’s Fruit Snacks as well as dozens of SMEs. He has also brought more than a dozen start-ups to market.
Michael was among the first to bring “The New Retail/Unified Commerce model (the integration of online/offline/technology/content/supply chain to the West from China.
Michael’s reputation as a retail, digital and consumer futurist has made him an in-demand consultant, C-suite coach, corporate strategist and keynote speaker.
Michael is now pioneering the transformation of digital commerce/retail through the application of “Immersive Commerce” “3C Integration” (content, community and commerce) and platform retail channels.
Some key highlights of his experience include:
Named by “RETHINK RETAIL” as a 2022 and 2023 Top 100 Global Influencer
Author of two Amazon #1 Bestsellers “China’s Super Consumers” and “The New Retail”
Six-time Alibaba Group “Top 10 Global Digital Commerce Influencer” 2016-2021
Member of the Board of Directors for “The Center for Retail Transformation
Member of the Board of Advisors for “Metvrse and “The Meta Mall”.
Regular guest and contributor at BBC, NPR, CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox Business, FORBES
Guest lecturer at Columbia University, Yale, Wharton, Kellogg, NYC, FIT, China Institute
Early builder of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 brands, technologies and methodologies
Entered China in 2003 and founded “China BrightStar” in Shanghai in 2005 to provide strategy, tactics and execution for companies entering and seeking growth in the China market
Michael is a graduate of Seton Hall University, and passionate SHU Pirates basketball fan, a died in the wool Arsenal supporter, an avid fisherman, an antiques and antiquities collector and dealer and a member of the Charles Dickens Society. His heart belongs to his wife Monique, his son Julian and his American Cocker Spaniel, Amber.
