# Michael Hansen

> Michael E. Hansen is the New York-based CEO of Cengage Group, which he has led since September 2012. His tenure includes Chapter 11 reorganization, a shift from print publishing toward digital learning, the 2018 launch of Cengage Unlimited, and an emphasis on education connected to employment.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Cengage Group
- **Organizations:** Cengage Group, Boston Consulting Group, Proxicom, Bertelsmann, Reed Elsevier, Harcourt Assessment, ProPublica Business Advisory Council
- **From:** Wuppertal, Germany
- **Nationality:** German
- **Education:** Master of Law, University of Bonn, Master of Business Administration, Columbia Business School
- **Known for:** Led Cengage through Chapter 11 and its transition toward digital learning., Oversaw the introduction of Cengage Unlimited., Recognized as a Glassdoor Top CEO in 2018 and 2019.

## Career timeline

- **1989** — Joined Boston Consulting Group in New York; later became a partner.
- **2000s** — Held roles at Proxicom and Bertelsmann before CEO assignments at Reed Elsevier.
- **2006** — Became president and CEO of Harcourt Assessment.
- **2012-09** — Became CEO of Cengage.
- **2013** — Led Cengage during its Chapter 11 reorganization.
- **2014-03** — Cengage emerged from Chapter 11; Hansen joined its board.
- **2016** — Cengage digital unit sales exceeded print textbook sales in fiscal 2016.
- **2018-08** — Cengage Unlimited launched.
- **2020-05** — Cengage and McGraw-Hill announced termination of their proposed merger.

## Achievements

- Led Cengage through Chapter 11 and its transition toward digital learning.
- Oversaw the introduction of Cengage Unlimited.
- Recognized as a Glassdoor Top CEO in 2018 and 2019.
- Named among Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business in 2020.

## Latest updates

- **2025-12** — Discussed Student Assistant and the connection between education and work in a NYSE interview.
- **2025-06** — Joined Kristin Peck’s On Purpose series to discuss his career, Cengage and the skills gap.
- **2025-04** — Appointed Justin Singh to lead Cengage Work.
- **2026-08** — Cengage published its fiscal 2027 first-quarter report on August 11; Hansen remains listed as CEO on the current leadership page.

## Links

- Website: https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/leadership/michael-e-hansen/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhansencengage/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-hansen
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-14