Visiting Fellow
School of Business, Leadership and Enterprise
Born in the Midlands, David is the Product Marketing Manager with Arena Travel. He has lived and worked in Suffolk for the past 47 years and started his business career with Shell Mex and BP Ltd before moving to BX Plastics.
He gained his BA (Hons) in Literature at the University of Essex and is an Associate of the Drama Board of Great Britain.
Leaving University, David made a career switch and entered the world of professional theatre, working at the old Ipswich Arts Theatre, the Wolsey Theatre and, in 1982, he co-founded Eastern Angles, the regional touring theatre company for the East of England. He remained an active board member of the company until 2010. After a season at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, David returned to Ipswich and worked as a jobbing actor, director and drama teacher.
A second career change brought him back into the world of business when he joined specialist tour operator, Arena Travel – a job he still enjoys after 24 years.
Committed to education, the development of learning, and the provision of education for all, David was a school governor for over 25 years and Chair of Governors at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge for 13 years. He was also an elected member of Woodbridge Town Council and is a former Town Mayor. During his time on the Council he helped set up the Rochford Trust for young people, and the Kyson Community Association of which he is Chair.
In 2005 he was made an Honorary Freeman of Woodbridge in recognition of his work for education, young people and the community.
David has been a guest lecturer at UCS, contributing to the BA Travel and Tourism course and he is looking forward to developing his involvement with the University.