David is one of the most sought-after advisors, consultants, speakers, and mentors in the global marketing community. He is currently the Executive Vice Chair at Stagwell Global. Since joining the holding company powerhouse in October 2023, David has brought his fast network of clients and years of experience with him.

Previously Partner and Co-Founder of DoAble, David is also a prolific writer and published children’s author. He is a designated LinkedIn Influencer, where he ranks among the most widely read business leaders in the world.

As former CEO and Chairman of Y&R, David propelled Y&R to a top five global creative firm during his time there. He is credited with expanding their global footprint and helping to have unified Y&R and VML into one marketing powerhouse: VMLY&R.
David’s involvement in the advertising industry has spanned more than 40 years. After Y&R, David became a founding partner of one of the first digitally focused omni-channel startups, Genesis Direct. In 2000, he took that experience to Wunderman, serving as Vice Chairman. While there he helped them transition into WPP and become a digital/data powerhouse. Shortly after that David returned to Y&R as Global CEO. David had worked with large brands during his time in the industry such as Microsoft, Dell, IBM, Altice, Citi-Bank, AT&T, Kraft and Pfizer.

David is active in the industry as former Chairman of the Advertising Council’s Board of Directors and, for many years before, a Director-at-Large of the 4As. He has served as Jury President at Cannes three times and was a member of the Titanium Jury. David has won numerous awards including a Gold Marcom Award for his Video Book “Close Your Eyes” with music written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. He serves as a keynote speaker at major global events, motivational speaker and advises industry leaders worldwide.
In 2013, Fast Company named David one of the 10 Most Generous Marketing Geniuses. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at UNICEF and the International Special Olympics. David is also a Board Member of American Eagle Outfitters’. David serves as an advisor to many start-ups and fast-growing companies including Cinch Markets; Fiverr; 888 and Update AI.

David and his wife, Debbie currently reside in New York City and have two daughters, two sons-in-law and five treasured grandchildren; Henry, Teddy, Gemma, Goldy and Sadie.