David has considerable chairing experience across a wide range of ownership structures. From 2007 to 2009, David served as Chair of 3i Quoted Private Equity plc while concurrently chairing Logica plc from 2007 until 2012. He then led J Sainsbury plc as Chair from November 2009 to March 2019, guiding the FTSE-listed supermarket through transformative initiatives, most notably the 2016 acquisition of Argos, and embedding diversity, governance, and board effectiveness as levers for long-term value.

He was Chair of Hammerson plc from 2013 to 2020 and at The White Company from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, he chaired Imagr Ltd from 2021 to 2023 and JoJo Maman Bébé Ltd from 2022 to 2024, creating a varied portfolio that encompasses consumer goods, warranties, retail technology, and parenting brands. Along with these positions, he has been a Non-Executive Director at Experian, Burberry, Reckitt Benckiser, and Rubix.

His extensive executive experience includes serving as CFO of GUS plc during significant transitions, which led to the company’s division into prominent public entities like Burberry, Experian, and Home Retail Group. Additionally, he served as the CFO at Christie’s International and has held key finance and general management roles at both Unilever and NatWest Investment Bank.

He brings deep sector expertise in:

• Retail & consumer strategy – steering Sainsbury’s and Argos integration, scaling brand platforms, and adapting to digital disruption

• Boardroom structure & diversity – establishing governance protocols, succession planning, and inclusion programmes via the 30 % Club and Parker Review

• Financial transformation – managing corporate splits, strategic M&A, and financial discipline across FTSE businesses from CFO to Chair

• Multisector governance – chairing and advising across consumer, civil services, finance, property, and technology sectors

Educated in Economics at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, David is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant and a strong advocate for “people-first” boards. He is recognised for his clarity, strategic oversight, and commitment to mentoring leaders on board readiness, inclusive culture, and values-driven governance.