Enabling Success

David is an experienced senior executive with a record of delivering results in complex, multi-faceted business environments. He currently operates a unique consulting practice providing advisory services to Boards of Directors and Management to assist in the achievement of corporate strategic objectives.Having spent thirteen years in the retail department store business with Simpsons Ltd., he held eleven senior management positions, completed numerous special assignments, and had responsibility for the operation of fifteen large stores. An innovator, David initiated a number of ‘firsts’ within the department store industry in Canada and coordinated the separation of Simpsons and Simpsons Sears.

Moving to the entertainment industry, David led the operational and financial turnaround of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, overseeing two culturally significant concert halls. He stimulated the management team to pursue excellence and to engage in entrepreneurial activities.

David was recruited by the National Hockey League, to lead the design, redevelopment and operation of the Hockey Hall of Fame as its President. The project was completed on time and on budget. This facility won numerous awards and set attendance and sponsorship records. It became a world standard for halls of fame. His innovation led to the establishment of the Spirit of Hockey retail outlet, a bestselling book, a television series and a gold record of hockey related music.

Forming a partnership with a property management company, David secured the redevelopment and management contract for the CN Tower. Reestablishing and refocusing the management group, he led the change in culture, and the design/development of the physical changes required to support improvements to the guest experience. The physical changes were completed on time and on budget with no loss of business. During David’s management of this project, numerous design awards were won, the management team was designated employer of the year, the public voted the facility the best attraction in the community in successive years, and the significant food services operation won impressive recognition. The profitability of the facility was dramatically improved to a significant multiple of the acquisition profit, and financial targets were exceeded.

As a principal of Asset Directions Inc. (ADI) and Attractions Strategy Group Inc. (ASG) he provides strategic and operational management support to a variety of enterprises. His clients continue to benefit from the breadth of his industry experience and his respectful and encouraging management approach.

David is a graduate of McMaster University B.A. Honours, Summa Cum Laude and the University of Western Ontario Business Course.

Previously involved in a number of charities and not-for-profit organizations as Chair and member of the Board, he is currently a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Canadian Broadcast Museum Foundation and an active member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. He resides in Toronto, Ontario.