Biography

David is the Chief People Officer for McDonald's Europe Ltd. 

Career

David joined Lucas Industries as a Graduate Trainee, subsequently established the HR department for Transport Development Group and was the youngest Group Manager at HJ Heinz. 

 

He became the European Director of Recruitment and Leadership Planning for SmithKline Beecham, where he ran a large shared services department, achieving the sector award for ‘European Employer of Choice.’ 

David moved to Tesco Stores in November 2000 as Group Resourcing Director and quickly took the additional accountability of Corporate HR Director.

In May 2005 David joined McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd as Vice President of People, reporting directly to the CEO.  In January 2007 he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer – UK & Northern Europe with responsibility for HR, Training, Education, Customer Services and has recently added the Environment to his portfolio.

In August 2009, David was appointed Chairman of People 1st, the Sector Skills Council, and prior to this he fulfilled the role the vice-chairman for two years.

Memberships

  • Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he also holds an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration (HC)
  • Honorary Fellow of Lancaster University Business School
  • Fellow of the Sunningdale Institute, advising cabinet & government on people matters
  • Chartered Companion of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), where is is also Vice-President Learning, Training and Development
  • Fellow of Royal Society Arts
  • Chairman of CPPD Manchester Metropolitan University (which supports development of HR in the Northwest region)
  • Associate member of Investors in People’s Human Capital Management Standards board

Awards

In July 2006 David was voted HR Director of the Year by readers of HR Magazine and for two years running has secured the No.1 position in Personnel Today’s Top-40 HR Power Players list. 

In June 2008  he was further recognised by HR Magazine as their Most Influential HR Practitioner and in June 2009 won the award for the second year running

 

David has his own column in HR Magazine www.hrmagazine.co.uk and has made numerous media appearances including BBC Breakfast, Sky News, Newsnight and Radio 4’s Today Programme.

David enjoys spending time with his family and when time permits he supports his home town rugby team, Wigan.