Michael W. Scherb

Michael Scherb is the founder and CEO of Appian Capital Advisory, the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private equity funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies. Having founded Appian in 2012, Michael has developed the firm into the leading private capital investor in metals and mining, using a cutting-edge approach driven by technical arbitrage. Appian provides investors with the opportunity to take advantage of macro themes in the mining sector by investing in real assets. Today the business manages over $4 billion for blue-chip institutional investors, with 65 investment professionals and over 6,000 employees globally. As Chairman of the Investment Committee, Michael is responsible for the firm’s strategic investment approach. Appian regards environmental, social and governance standards as crucial elements within all investments and Michael is also the founder of the Appian Way Charitable Foundation, Appian’s philanthropic vehicle. The charity focuses on education and health of children in the local communities where Appian operates. Michael began his career structuring foreign investment into China, before joining J.P. Morgan’s Metals and Mining team in 2007. During this time he worked on US$185 billion of metals and mining transactions across M&A, equity and debt, some of the highest profile deals in the sector. Having spent five years at J.P. Morgan he founded Appian at the age of 29. Michael was born in Taiwan before moving to the US as a child. He has significant international experience, having also lived in the UK, China, France, Germany and Italy. 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'.