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Michael Liikala

Michael Liikala brings exceptional governance experience and strategic vision to board positions, offering organizations transformative leadership backed by decades of public and private sector success.

As CEO and Managing Partner of Solutions International, Mr. Liikala has arranged over $8 billion in major projects and international sales for his clients. His governance expertise spans multiple sectors including infrastructure, energy, technology, and international commerce.

Unparalleled Public & Private Experience

  • Mr. Liikala’s 20+ years in senior U.S. Government positions provides boards with rare regulatory insight and global commercial perspective.
  • As CEO of Solutions International he facilitated Spanish firm ACS’s entry into the U.S. market and led their business development strategy over the next decade, leading them to become America’s largest construction company.
  • As Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Spain, he guided market entry for industry leaders like Boeing, GE, General Dynamics, and Cisco Systems.
  • As Senior Commercial Officer in Buenos Aires, Mr. Liikala opened the market for over 350 U.S. firms, served as acting Ambassador, and helped a U.S. firm secure the largest airport privatization in history.

Strategic Governance Experience

Mr. Liikala’s domestic leadership roles included:

  • The CEO of Solutions International, a leading strategic advisory firm serving Fortune 500 companies and emerging medium size companies.
  • Managing a 700-person organization responsible for U.S. Trade Laws and Export Control Regulations
  • Director of International Strategic Alliances for the U.S. Commercial Service
  • Western Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce with 33 offices in 11 states
  • Served as a White House advisor during the Reagan through Clinton administrations, and later held key advisory positions with the U.S. Treasury Department, United States Senate Banking Committee, and the Schwarzenegger Administration in California

Current Focus & Expertise

Today, Mr. Liikala applies his governance expertise to help organizations expand internationally, navigate complex regulatory, environments, build strategic partnerships, and implement innovative solutions in energy, infrastructure, and sustainability. His extensive network and strategic vision help boards achieve exceptional results globally.

Education & Recognition

Mr. Liikala holds two Master’s degrees:

  • International Law/Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
  • Finance and Public Administration from University of Southern California