David is a hugely experienced leader in both Executive and Non-Executive roles.

He has over 30 years’ experience in Chief Executive roles, most recently at the National Housing Federation, having previously been Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and of Newlon Housing Trust.

In Non-Executive roles, David is also Chair of the Canal and River Trust, Chair of Clarion Housing Association Board, Chair of ReSI Housing and ReSI Homes. He is a previous President of Housing Europe and previous Chair of Reall, an international housing development charity. David was co-Chair of #Housing 2030, a joint Housing Europe and UNECE study on affordable housing in the UNECE region and was a member of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Housing, Church and Community Commission. He has recently been Chair of Homes for All and was Chair of the Good Home Inquiry.

David is widely regarded as a compelling and inspiring public speaker focusing on the challenge of optimistic leadership and the critical importance of great governance. He has huge media experience, is a well-regarded commentator and blogger and has extensive expertise navigating the sometimes-opaque world of politics and government.

In June 2018 David was awarded a CBE, acknowledging his work and commitment to highlighting the positive role of housing associations within society.

David takes pride in being a part of Community Threads, to give people who do not often get to use their voice in public, the opportunity to be heard. He recognises, and values, the importance of inspiring a culture of problem-solving communities and making a real difference to people at a local level.