Herd-Michael-International-Search-Consulting

Michael Herd

Head of International Search & Consulting

Based in the United Kingdom, Michael comes to KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE with over a decade of experience in the golf and club industry. Prior to joining KK&W, he held the position of Managing Consultant with Colt Mackenzie McNair, specializing in the placement of senior-level executives within the golf, leisure, and hospitality industries. Before pursuing a career in executive search, Michael was active in the golf industry, working with the DP World Tour, West Hill Golf Club, and Wentworth Club in the United Kingdom.

Michael’s expertise spans multiple continents and has positioned him as a trusted industry leader. In recent years, Michael has successfully collaborated with renowned clubs across the globe, including those in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, China, New Zealand, and Australia. His dedication to understanding the unique needs of each organization and sourcing leading candidates has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry.

Michael aligns with KK&W’s approach, which extends beyond merely filling positions. He takes pride in nurturing talent and assisting professionals in their career growth. With his guidance and support, candidates are empowered to unlock their full potential and thrive in their respective roles.

Furthermore, Michael is committed to providing invaluable industry advice and insights to club boards and committees. Furthermore, Michael is committed to providing invaluable industry advice and insights to club boards and committees. His deep understanding of the international golf and club industry landscape enables him to provide innovative solutions and strategic best practices.

Michael also serves as a Trustee for the England Golf Trust, further reflecting his dedication to the advancement of the game and supporting opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to engage with golf.

Email: michael.herd@kkandw.com

Phone: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 710

LinkedIn

Resources & Insights from Michael…

Ambition is a powerful weapon in the busy world of club management and hospitality. It’s what propels many of us on a quest to be great, to explore new frontiers, and to be visionaries in the world’s best clubs. Yet ambition is just the beginning.

While the desire to move forward, to manage a bigger club, assume greater responsibilities, or gain respect among people in the industry is valid and understandable, timing and positioning are key elements in the journey…

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One of the biggest trends we are seeing in the club industry is the topic of team sustainability.

A club without an enduring team is merely a building. Without excellent staff that embody the values of the club and deliver premier service, member experience is bound to suffer. True sustainability involves developing strategies for retaining, developing, and recruiting talented employees who will be the pillars on which your club’s success will be renowned for in years to come…

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In the world of private clubs, success is less dependent on better facilities or premier locations, but more on the unseen architecture of governance that underpins everything members do and perceive. Yet all too often, this critical foundation gets little attention, leading to confusion, inefficiency, and perhaps even serious organisational problems…

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Looking toward 2025, several key trends stand out, shaped by broader societal shifts and rapid technological innovation. These highlighted issues emphasize the need for adaptability and forward-thinking strategies to ensure clubs remain vibrant and relevant…

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Personal branding is crucial in any industry but even more so in a tight-knit community like club management. While your club constructs a brand to facilitate its goals of member acquisition and retention, community building, and experience creation, it is equally important for the manager and team to have their own authentic personal brands. To the club professional, personal branding is not about self-aggrandizing publicity but rather a statement that signifies a commitment to service, team, and profession. Whether it’s day-to-day operations management, member engagement, or project management, a strong personal brand helps solidify meaningful relationships for increased access to rewarding career options. When considering your brand, start by reflecting on the strengths you bring to the position you’re in and qualities you’d want others to acknowledge. When you have a good idea of those, then breathe life into those attributes across your interactions and communications…

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Throughout my career in the private club industry, I’ve come to appreciate the dynamic and nuanced demands of club leadership. The role of a General Manager truly exemplifies the word “general” in the best sense—requiring a broad and diverse skill set that often goes beyond what’s captured in a title. Years of experience and countless conversations with inspiring club leaders have highlighted for me that some of the most essential competencies in this role can often be overlooked in the hiring or development processes. Though perhaps less celebrated, these skills are fundamental, distinguishing clubs that merely operate from those that create exceptional member experiences. Below are just a few of these invaluable skills which can truly set club leaders apart…

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Starting a career as a new member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is an exciting and pivotal moment, but it can also be extremely intimidating. Whether you’re focused on playing, coaching, managing a facility, or member engagement, your dedication to mastering the game and fostering relationships will define your success. The path ahead is filled with lessons and experiences that will shape your role as a leader in the golf industry. Here are a few key pieces of advice to help you lay a strong foundation for your career…

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It’s the 100th episode of GCTUK!

After Leighton Walker & Eddie Bullock catch up and look back at 100 episodes, Leighton is joined by Michael Herd, Head of International Search & Consulting with new show partner KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE.  Michael not only talks through what’s happening at KK&W, but also some current trends in recruitment including what recruiters should be thinking about.

One of the greatest traits of a good leader is the ability to empower and develop others. There are many ways this can be done, one of which is delegation. Often, we assume that as a manager, you would naturally delegate. However, it’s hard to do, especially if you have been promoted from a departmental role and are letting go of operational duties…or, if you are a perfectionist!

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I recently had the privilege of joining two of the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE firm Partners, Tom Wallace and Kurt Kuebler for a lively schedule visiting premier private clubs across South Florida. It will remain a great memory, the generous welcome we received from the leadership teams of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Broken Sound Club, Mizner Country Club, Lost Tree Club, The Country Club at Mirasol, The Club at Admiral Cove, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Quail West Golf & Country Club, Grey Oaks Country Club, Bonita Bay Club, The Club at Mediterra, and Shadow Wood Country Club.

The club tour experiences and time spent with executive leaders in our industry offered a wealth of insights into the American club scene. While there are undeniable differences in scale and market between the United Kingdom and the United States, many of our challenges are shared. I observed numerous core principles and innovative approaches that hold the potential for enhancing operations in the European market.

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When it comes to professional development, one of the most important aspects often gets overlooked: relationship-led development. Most professionals consider professional development to be a course where you gain a certification or achieve a financial milestone. However, the ‘human’ qualities that make you not just good, but exceptional, are often left behind as success is harder to measure. Here, we will discuss why relationship-led development, such as Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Mentoring, Communication, Integrity, and Leadership is so vital in shaping who you are professionally…

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In today’s private club landscape, maintaining a competitive edge means embracing innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers tangible benefits for member clubs, promising to elevate both the membership experience and operational efficiency. Understanding the pragmatic integration of AI is crucial to realising its true potential for impacting clubs for the better…

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In this episode, dive into the experiences and motivations of International team member, Michael Herd. Discover what inspired him to join the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team and gain insight into his approach to working private club executive search and consulting.