Strong leadership requires the ability to identify and seize new opportunities. It also entails assessing the path an organisation is on – and recognising when it will not drive results. David Powell blends these two essential aspects of leadership, empowering clients to embark on an accelerated course toward sustained success.

As a results driven leader, David is committed to delivery. Working with a small fresh produce business, he secured their first ever business (£0.5m) with a top 4 food retailer, in a sector totally dominated by major players.

And as a growth leader, David knows that it is easy for an organisation to wander off-course. During the height of the recession, David worked with a company that specialised in premium products. The aggressive growth strategy being pursued was no longer appropriate. Recognising this, and overcoming strong internal opposition, David successfully halted a £7m investment.

Over David’s 30+ year career, he has worked with startups, as well as small, medium, and large organisations. Extensive experience in fast-moving consumer goods and food manufacturing has honed his ability to move quickly and decisively: essential in today’s rapidly evolving business world. Among his many career highlights:

• Building an integrated supply proposal for a major customer, resulting in a £50m revenue increase, the exit of a major competitor and improved margins.
• Responding when a major customer failed to deliver a promised advertising campaign for a new food product resulting in £300k stock write-offs. David reset demand, recovered costs and developed a £5m p.a. brand.
• Leading a £30m business, overseeing sales, marketing, new product development, technical and operations.
• Serving as interim director for businesses ranging from ₤0.25m to over ₤2bn.
• As voluntary Tour de France co-ordinator for his village, David created a “spectator hub” for the Grand Depart with giant screen, fairground, food market and live stage. This generated a £12000 surplus and the village received a Royal visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, in recognition of the unique efforts made.
• Inheriting a demotivated, underperforming sales team and implementing clear performance benchmarks, and accountabilities to transform results.

With a proven track record of success, David is well-equipped to support his clients as they strive towards their most ambitious goals, bringing not only hard-lined business expertise but also a deep understanding of people.

When he’s not working… David walks the dog with his wife Jane, enjoys current affairs, reading fiction, sampling new foods and wines, indulging his passion for motorcycles, and serving as local parish councillor.