Fifty Thousand Feet appoints Mike May as Managing Director, Strategy

Fifty Thousand Feet, the leading independent brand consultancy, announced the appointment of Mike May as Managing Director, Strategy. May will lead strategic client engagement and help deepen the firm’s reputation for building enduring brand value through a clear and differentiated strategic lens.

Kate Watts, FTF CEO, said, “Mike’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for our company. As we expand our capabilities and reposition ourselves to help brands achieve timeless influence with discerning audiences, we need leaders who understand the power of business strategy combined with creative vision. Mike’s ability to bring clarity and purpose to every engagement makes him an exceptional addition to our team.”

May will work closely with executive leadership and client teams to evolve the firm’s strategic offerings and sharpen its ability to solve complex brand challenges across sectors. His responsibilities include brand positioning, audience insight, value proposition development, go-to-market planning, and aligning brand strategies with business growth.

May brings more than 25 years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, research, and leadership across some of the industry’s most respected organizations. He has served as Group Vice President of Strategy at Huge, leading business, brand, product, and content strategy in the Southeast region; and as Vice President at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Earlier in his career, he worked as a Senior Analyst and Research Director at Jupiter Communications, now part of Forrester Research, and was an award-winning marketer at Avon, where he helped pioneer the company’s global e-commerce programs.

“We're very proud of our long history as thoughtful strategic-creative partners to clients,” said Chris Prescher, FTF’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Mike is well suited to help us meet our growing opportunities and help steer our continued evolution in the years ahead. We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to our team.”

May has worked with dozens of brands and has coached more than 100 strategists, marketers, and analysts. In addition to founding The Strategy Coach Company in 2023, he has operated a successful bicycle e-commerce business since 2010. Outside of work, May enjoys racing mountain bikes and exploring independent coffee shops across the Mid-Atlantic by motorcycle. He holds degrees from Colgate University, the University of British Columbia, and NYU.

”I joined Fifty Thousand Feet because I see an enormous opportunity for an independent firm with specialization in strategy, design, and content. Brands need what FTF offers, and I’m excited to help shape our products and processes,” said May.

About Fifty Thousand Feet

Founded in 2001, Fifty Thousand Feet is a global brand consultancy that designs timeless brands for discerning audiences. From brand identity systems, marketing communications and advertising to all facets of digital, FTFcombines business acumen, creative excellence, and technology innovation to help the most respected brands connect more deeply with their customers, clients, and consumers. FTF approaches the world with broad vision, sharp focus, and clear intent. The consultancy has teams in Chicago, New York, London, and Washington, D.C. Learn more here: https://fiftythousandfeet.com