Michael Cole (public relations)

Michael Cole is an English public relations expert, journalist and media personality.

Journalism

Cole qualified as a journalist and spent 27 years as a reporter, most notably on Anglia Television and as a correspondent for the BBC, with whom he won two Royal Television Society 'Best Home News Story' awards.^[1]

Work with Mohamed Al-Fayed

He joined Harrods and House of Fraser group in 1988 and became Director of Public Affairs as well as holding a seat on the main board of the holding company and directorships of several subsidiary companies. ^[1] Cole became a well-known figure as the spokesman for Mohamed Al-Fayed during the 1990s, most notably in his long-running court case with Tiny Rowland^[2] and the 'Cash-for-questions affair'.^[3] Cole was also spokesman for Al-Fayed during the deaths of his son Dodi Al-Fayed and Diana, Princess of Wales. Cole has since claimed that the couple had become engaged before their deaths.^[4]

Subsequent work

He left Harrods in 1998 to set up his own PR firm, Michael Cole & Company Limited.^[1] He also presented his own tabloid talk show, The Michael Cole Show, on Living TV^[1] and has appeared as a guest on Have I Got News For You. Although no longer directly employed by Mohammed Al-Fayed, Cole has continued to act as a spokesman on his behalf, notably during his legal battles over Princess Diana and his son.^[5]

Away from his business interests, Cole is a supporter of Fulham F.C., a club currently owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed.^[6] Cole is a director of the Craven Cottage club.^[7]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Michael Cole's Homepage
2. ^ Rowland issues writs against Al Fayed from bbc.co.uk
3. ^ Bell gives Hamilton helping hand in cash-for-questions row from bbc.co.uk
4. ^ Diana and Dodi 'were engaged' from bbc.co.uk
5. ^ AL FAYED: I STILL THINK DIANA WAS MURDERED form Daily Express
6. ^ Detailed evidence for Diana inquest from bbc.co.uk
7. ^ The Directors from the Fulham F.C. official website

External links

• Michael Cole at the Internet Movie Database
• Interview with Cole

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Name	Cole, Michael
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