Michael Helmer is responsible for the strategic management and guidance of NEXTDC's legal affairs, compliance and company secretarial functions.

Michael has over 25 years' experience in the legal sector with a strong record of advising, growing and successfully completing transactions for technology and ecommerce businesses, both listed and private. Until joining the Company, Michael was serving as Director of Legal Services (Asia Pacific) for global software maker Symantec, where he and his team were responsible for advising on ecommerce, technology licensing, cyber-security and litigation throughout the region as well as supporting the executive, sales and engineering teams.

Previously, Michael was based in London at specialist technology and IP firm Field Fisher Waterhouse. Michael has held senior legal roles in Barclays, Accenture, Coles Myer and was General Counsel at European on-line shopping site shopsmart.com as well as at Australian anti-malware maker PC Tools.

Michael is a seasoned strategic advisor with deep knowledge in the legal and compliance environments in which technology and ecommerce businesses operate. This is particularly focussed on their commercial environment, IP development & licensing, e-commerce, data security & privacy, corporate advisory & compliance as well as M&A and capital raising.

Michael has obtained a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Science (Monash) and is admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia and in England and Wales. Michael is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel and has served as their Victorian President (ACLA) as well as a member of its National Board. Michael holds a Certificate in Governance Practice and is a Fellow of the Australian Governance Institute (FGIA). He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a graduate of their Company Directors course (GAICD).