“I have had personal experience of Roger’s energy, drive and effectiveness in putting on some impressive events,
organising effective and productive dinners and demonstrating the importance of high-level networking. His ability
to get people together and drive the agenda is palpable.”
There are four main officers of the Alliance. The founding Director is the Chief Executive Officer, Roger Ellis,
ably assisted by the Corporate Director, Sharon Michaels and the Programme Director, Michael Rogers-Nash.
Providing guidance and valuable assistance is the Honorary Chairman, the Earl of Erroll.
A brief biography of all four officers is shown below.
Roger Ellis – Chief Executive Officer
Roger is a prolific networker having served as the UK Country Manager for two years for Xing (the second largest
internet network after LinkedIn) and is Chairman and Founder of the IT Director’s Network.
He is also a former Chairman of Elite (the IT Director’s arm of the British Computer Society), the former Treasurer
for the UK Chapter of the ISSA (the leading association for IT Security experts) and a Past Chairman of the London
Branch of the International Wine & Food Society (the world’s oldest gastronomic society).
With over 45 years of industry experience, including 12 years as the IT Director of a leading FTSE 100 Company, he
also serves as the Regalia Officer of a City of London Livery Company. He is a Freeman of the City of London, a
Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Society of
Arts.
Sharon A. Michaels – Corporate Director
Sharon has been in the advertising, marketing, PR and exhibition industries for over 25 years. Her extensive client
base spans both trade and consumer sectors, with experience in fashion, charity, travel, food, wine, home interest
and finance.
Very much a “hands-on” person, Sharon supports clients’ marketing and development programmes at all levels,
including TV commercials (from concept to approval) and publishing, with a strong understanding of production, print
and photography.
Her exhibition expertise covers both trade and consumer sectors. Sharon has been involved in every step from
identifying markets, advertising, PR and organisation through to post‑event follow‑up.
Michael Rogers-Nash – Programme Director
Michael is an experienced project manager who has organised many events – from parade grounds to civic, commercial
and social functions in castles and venues across the country. A long‑serving member of the BBA, he has a wide
network built through years of industry experience, including as Chief Executive after a period in the military.
He is a certified project manager, a City of London Liveryman and Freeman, and a committee member of the Institute
of Directors. Michael is also Past Chairman of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, Junior Chamber of Commerce and
Chepstow Round Table.
Earl of Erroll – Chairman
Merlin is the 24th Earl of Erroll, a cross‑bench member of the House of Lords, Clan Chief of the Hays Clan, and
hereditary Lord High Constable of Scotland.
Born to Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk, 11th Baronet, and Diana Denyse Hay, 23rd Countess of Erroll, he was
educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge. He succeeded his mother in 1978 as Earl of Erroll and his
father in 1985 as a Baronet.
He has been a Lieutenant of the Atholl Highlanders since 1974 and is a Member of the Royal Company of Archers. Other
honours include Freeman of the City of London, Prime Warden of the Fishmongers’ Company (2000–01), President of the
E‑business Regulatory Alliance, Director of EURIM, Council Member of the Hereditary Peerage Association, and Admiral
of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska (USA).