David has had a storied career, over 45 years of experience on both the agency and client side. He started at Saatchi & Saatchi as a graduate trainee, progressing through the agency world as Managing Partner at WCRS and then MD of Lowe Howard-Spink in London.
He first became a client as the Worldwide head of advertising for the Coca-Cola Company based in Atlanta. Ten years with Vodafone on the outside and inside as Global Brand Directo. Four years with Barclays as their Global Managing Director for Brand, Reputation, Citizenship and Marketing (the longest title he ever had).
Five years with RBS as the Chief Marketing and Communications officer, a key member of Ross McEwan’s clean up team that returned the bank to profit and restored the reputation. David lead the change from RBS to NatWest. He stepped down with immaculate timing in March 2020.
Ex-Chair and council member of the MGGB, a fellow of the Marketing Society and a fellow of the IPA. Awarded the Lifetime achievement award by The Drum in 2020. Recognised in the Queens New Years Honour list in 2021 for his services to Marketing and Advertising, he was awarded an OBE.
Today he is blissfully semi-retired. He was re-elected as the President of the WFA in April 2025 (World Federation of Advertisers).