Michael Derus is a seasoned diplomat and attorney with over 35 years of experience in the German Foreign Service and admitted to practice law since 2023. He has held senior leadership positions within the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, including Director for International Treaty Law, and has served as head of German diplomatic missions abroad, notably as Consul General in Lagos, Nigeria, and Ambassador to Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Republic of Benin.
His career includes multilateral work with German Permanent Missions to the EU and NATO, where he served as Head of Press & Media and Spokesman during the Kosovo campaign (1999–2001) and held a leadership position in the political department (2008-2010). He also participated in UN field missions and, within his authority, gave instructions to German Missions to the UN. Michael has represented Germany in international fora on nuclear disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and monitoring peace, ceasefire, and electoral processes in countries including Mozambique, Serbia, Kosovo, Nigeria, and Kenya.
With 15 years of experience focused on sub-Saharan Africa, Michael has also undertaken bilateral assignments in Brazil, Serbia, and multiple African countries, combining diplomatic expertise with a proven ability to facilitate access for German mid-sized and upper-tier companies to host country markets.
Michael is recognised for his negotiation skills, intercultural competence, and effective communication, with extensive experience in media relations, public speaking, keynote presentations, op-eds, and interviews. He has a strong track record in leadership, managing and motivating multi-ethnic teams in challenging political, economic, and climatic conditions, and providing strategic guidance to international organisations and corporate clients alike.
Areas of expertise:
- Bilateral & multilateral diplomacy
- International treaty law
- Constitutional law
- Political & economic relationship-building
- Market access support for German businesses in sub-Saharan Africa
- Crisis management, peace monitoring, and electoral observation
- Media relations, public speaking, and strategic communication