Michael Scherb | Official Profile on The Marque

Michael Scherb’s Biography

Michael Scherb is a leading businessman, private equity investor, and philanthropist.

He is the founder and CEO of Appian Capital Advisory LLP, the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private equity funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies. Michael serves as Chairman of Appian’s Investment Committee, and is the founder of the Appian Way Charitable Foundation.

Since setting up Appian in 2012, Michael has developed the company into one of the largest and most successful private equity players in the metals and mining sector. Today Appian manages over $4 billion for institutional investors including sovereign wealth funds, family offices and pension funds, with over 6,000 employees across its portfolio in locations across the globe.

Born in Taiwan to Singaporean and Austrian parents, Michael moved to the US as a child and has also lived in Germany, China, France, Italy and the UK. He began his career structuring foreign investment into China, before joining J.P. Morgan in 2007. As part of the Metals and Mining team, Scherb gained valuable experience... Michael Scherb is a leading businessman, private equity investor, and philanthropist.

He is the founder and CEO of Appian Capital Advisory LLP, the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private equity funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies. Michael serves as Chairman of Appian’s Investment Committee, and is the founder of the Appian Way Charitable Foundation.

Since setting up Appian in 2012, Michael has developed the company into one of the largest and most successful private equity players in the metals and mining sector. Today Appian manages over $4 billion for institutional investors including sovereign wealth funds, family offices and pension funds, with over 6,000 employees across its portfolio in locations across the globe.

Born in Taiwan to Singaporean and Austrian parents, Michael moved to the US as a child and has also lived in Germany, China, France, Italy and the UK. He began his career structuring foreign investment into China, before joining J.P. Morgan in 2007. As part of the Metals and Mining team, Scherb gained valuable experience of the mining sector, advising on some of the industry’s highest-profile deals and the largest IPOs in London.

After working at J.P. Morgan for five years, Michael left to set up Appian when he was just 29 years old.

Mining Journal named Michael as one of the 10 ‘Most Influential’ people in mining in 2023, having also recognised him in its 2021 list, while Financial News has voted him one of the 'Top 40 under 40 Private Equity Leaders'.

His philanthropic activities are focused on the Appian Way Charitable Foundation, Appian’s philanthropic vehicle. The charity seeks to contribute to the health and equal education of children in the communities and principal regions into which Appian invests. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Michael Scherb’s Newsfeed

Appian Capital to claim at least $600m from Sibanye-Stillwater

Michael Scherb’s Background

Appian Capital Advisory LLP

Founder & CEO

Jul 2012 - Present

London, UK

Appian is a leading private equity firm in metals and mining, focusing on commodities powering the energy transition. With a track record of optimising its portfolio companies, Appian invests in assets building critical minerals supply, including downstream projects such as processing and battery recycling facilities. Appian’s global team of 85+ professionals operate in 10+ international offices.

J.P. Morgan

Investment banker, Metals & Mining Division

Jan 2007 - Jun 2012

London, UK

J.P. Morgan is a world-leading financial services firm and has operated in Europe for almost 200 years. Their London office is the headquarters for the EMEA region, and is acknowledged to be one of the top financial institutions in the UK.

Philanthropy

The Appian Way Charitable Foundation

Founder & Chairman of Trustees

The Appian Way Charitable Foundation seeks to contribute to the health and equal education of children in the communities and principal regions into which Appian invests, with the aim of contributing to social advancement and improving long-term environmental stability in these regions.

Interviews

UK should ease rules to win back mining sector listings, says private equity boss

Feb 2024

London, UK

Michael Scherb urges London to prioritise revitalising its mining sector, rather than focusing on becoming a technology hub. He suggests that the UK should loosen regulations on both the main and AIM markets to attract mining companies back to London.

Business Leader: Michael Scherb

May 2023

Michael answers quick-fire questions in this interview with Mining Weekly.

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Thought Leadership

Capital Conversations

Video series

Capital Conversations is a series of videos hosted by Appian's founder and CEO, Michael W. Scherb, where he answers questions about the company. The videos provide exclusive insights into Appian Capital Advisory. Some of the topics covered include: Appian's road to success, Investment strategy, Due diligence and Appian's financial solutions.