Speakers

David is a dynamic force in driving global sustainability through his multifaceted roles in the circular economy landscape. Since 2018, he has been the Vice President of both the Circular Economy Institute (CEI) and the Circular Economy Club (CEC), where his dedication has fuelled impactful initiatives on a global scale. With six years of volunteer service under his belt, David has orchestrated over 50 face-to-face networking events, including pioneering endeavours like the CEC London and the Tour of Circular Businesses on the Circle Line. His influential voice has resonated at more than 25 international events, captivating audiences from Reuters to Rotary and PWC.

His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of etsaW Ventures in 2022, a venture studio dedicated to catalysing and scaling circular innovation. Under his leadership, the studio has invested in award-winning companies and is nurturing the growth of three new material extraction ventures.

At the helm of SOENECS, the research and innovation practice he founded in 2014, David spearheads strategic consultancy, training, and solutions at the forefront of the circular economy, waste management, and environmental auditing domains.

In 2020, David co-founded Tech-Takeback, a ground-breaking not-for-profit endeavour revolutionizing end-of-life electricals collection in Brighton & Hove. Their innovative "RevaluElectricals" service, powered by The ZeroNet, earned them the prestigious 2021 Business Green Leaders award for Circular Economy.

Recognized for his expertise, David was appointed Professor of Circular Economy at the University of Brighton in 2021, where he collaborates with academia to integrate circular principles into the educational landscape.

In 2023, David's peers elected him as President of the CIWM, a testament to his esteemed reputation and contributions to the field. Beyond his presidential duties, he serves as a non-executive Director of Biohm, contributes to the Exeter University CE Hub Executive Management Group, and lends his expertise to the Strategic Advisory Board for The University of Manchester’s Sustainable Futures Initiative. As a Government Adviser and past chair for the Local Authority National Waste Network Chairs, David remains at the forefront of shaping policy and driving impactful change.