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Michael Schmid’s impact as Head of Human Resources Executive at ACT Entertainment has been nothing short of transformative. Since December 2023, Michael has played a pivotal role in ACT Entertainment’s unprecedented expansion, spearheading strategic HR initiatives that have driven the company’s growth by over 300% in less than a year. His leadership has not only enabled ACT Entertainment to seamlessly integrate two major acquisitions but also expanded its operations from three countries to sixteen—a feat requiring exceptional HR expertise, diligence, and innovation.
Michael’s deep involvement in the due diligence process was instrumental in uncovering significant international employment opportunities, allowing ACT Entertainment to maximize its acquisitions and rapidly scale operations. Despite managing a team of only one additional HR professional, Michael led the development and execution of compliant handbooks, employment practices, and payroll systems for all 16 countries, ensuring a smooth and legally sound transition into new markets.
One of the most impressive achievements under Michael’s leadership has been his ability to dramatically reduce employee attrition. Prior to his tenure, ACT Entertainment faced an alarming 40.7% turnover rate, creating instability and inefficiencies. Through targeted employee engagement initiatives, structured onboarding programs, and leadership development efforts, Michael successfully reduced turnover to an astonishing 14.5% in 2024—a transformation that has resulted in greater continuity, stronger teams, and a more positive work environment.
A critical component of this cultural shift has been Michael’s development and implementation of leadership training—a first in ACT Entertainment’s history. Before Michael, the company had never provided structured HR-driven leadership development. Michael created a global leadership training program which was deployed digitally and in person across all 16 countries, equipping managers with essential skills to lead effectively in a fast-growing, international company. This initiative has directly contributed to improved employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
Recognizing the urgent need for an efficient and strategic approach to talent acquisition, Michael and his team revolutionized ACT Entertainment’s recruiting processes. In just months, Michael built a structured, scalable recruiting strategy that enabled the company to attract top-tier talent without relying on external headhunters for every position. This shift not only enhanced the quality of new hires but also generated substantial cost savings in the United States and globally.
Beyond hiring and retention, Michael led the creation and implementation of government regulation-compliant policies and procedures—another first for ACT Entertainment. Prior to his leadership, the company lacked structured safety protocols, exposing employees to potential risks. His team’s work in this area has created a safer, more compliant workplace, aligning ACT Entertainment with industry best practices and ensuring legal adherence across all locations.
Perhaps Michael’s most lasting impact is his commitment to fostering a singular culture of respect, inclusivity, and professional development across a now-global workforce. By aligning organizational values, establishing clear communication channels, and reinforcing a commitment to employee growth, he has united employees across multiple continents under a shared vision for success.
In just the past year, Michael has helped take ACT Entertainment from 191 employees to over 650, navigating unprecedented expansion while ensuring stability, compliance, and a thriving corporate culture. His ability to drive strategic HR initiatives with limited resources, his unwavering commitment to people development, and his success in transforming ACT Entertainment into a world-class employer without an additional team member until April of 2024 exemplifies his leadership skills and devotion to the furtherance of the human resources field as an executive.
Michael Schmid has not only met the challenges of ACT Entertainment’s explosive growth—he has exceeded them at every turn, cementing his legacy as an executive who has truly reshaped the future of the company. Michael then took his experience and expertise and mentored several other HR professionals who were also experiencing significant global expansion. Michael has demonstrated his constant desire to assist the HR community in becoming even better at global expansion.
Nomination Title: Michael Schmid
