Mike Soutar is an entrepreneur, advisor and non-executive director who co-founded and served as CEO of Shortlist Media, growing it from a start-up into a multi-million-pound content publisher. He has held senior leadership roles across some of the UK’s most influential media brands, including Kiss FM and the Evening Standard.
Mike is widely known for his role as one of Lord Sugar’s interviewers on BBC One’s The Apprentice, where his direct and uncompromising approach make him a familiar face to millions of viewers. Drawing on experience across multiple sectors, Mike speaks regularly at conferences and leadership events. He serves on the UK government’s Board of Trade, and is a non-executive director of Scottish Rugby Union and a trustee of V&A Dundee.
Mike's book, Next Gen CEO, will be published by Pan Macmillan in June 2026.