David was brought up on a mixed/dairy farm. The youngest of five, he trained as a Chartered Accountant and then moved into industry. He spent nearly 50 years in the print and packaging industry which brought him up to Cumbria in 1987.

From 2004, until he retired in 2015, David was CEO of the Innovia Group based in Wigton. Before retiring he proudly signed the contracts for the polymer substrate supply to the Bank of England and significant new investment in the Wigton site.

David was Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation from 2016 to 2025 – a period of great uncertainty in the charity sector, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis. Despite this, during this period the Foundation’s grant making grew from £2 million per year to more than £6 million per year, and endowed assets grew from £15 million to over £32 million. David was at the heart of this, supporting the board and executive team and as a fund holder and advocate for philanthropy. He also led the creation of the Better Tomorrows Fund, to develop quality youth work in the county.

He is currently a mentor/coach to a number of people, Chair of Cumbria CBI, Chair of the Cumbria Economic Growth Board, Chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Haverigg and also involved with start up companies all in the hope that his experience will be helpful.

David has two children and four grandchildren. In his spare time he, and his other half Soo, can be found walking the fells, skiing, watching rugby and gardening.

He said: “Cumbria Community Foundation does some fabulous work supporting disadvantaged individuals and communities in Cumbria, as well as providing an excellent vehicle for those who wish to financially support this life changing work. It is an honour to work with the Foundation and to be able to contribute to the outstanding contribution to Cumbrian people and communities that is made by our grantees, the staff, the trustees and our many wonderful donors.”