Michael Shmarak

A seasoned professional with heightened expertise in media relations, corporate communications, new business development and executive positioning, Michael’s interests and capabilities span several industries, including professional services, real estate, hospitality, retail, media and investment banking.  He is responsible for senior-level counsel, strategy and program development as well as overall program implementation.

Having handled a variety of corporate, consumer and brand positioning programs, his background and past clients include Big Five accounting and consulting firms, top-tier insurance companies and some of America’s most visible brands. 

Michael has held management positions at some of Chicago’s leading public relations agencies.  He served as director of Ruder-Finn’s Corporate Affairs Practice, and was Account Supervisor/Media Relations for Ketchum in Chicago.  While at Ketchum, he coordinated media relations and account activities for several client programs, including Andersen, Northwestern Mutual, Miller Brewing Company and Lions Club International.  His efforts have led to placements with several top-tier media outlets—including the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, CNN, CNBC and Forbes—as well as garnering new business for his clients as a result of these programs. 

Before joining Ketchum, Michael served as Vice President of Marketing for Flat Top Grill, a Chicago-based group of stir-fry restaurants.  He has also worked at Marx Layne & Company, a metropolitan Detroit marketing and public relations agency where he serviced a variety of clients in a vast span of industries.

Michael earned an MBA from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in December 2003, and received a BSBA in Marketing from The Ohio State University.