David Williams

Formerly Chief Executive of the Thresher Group

David has 30 years’ experience in the Consumer, Leisure and Retail sectors. During that time he has specialised in turnarounds and transformations based on consumer insights.

His last Executive role was as CEO of the Thresher Group, where he oversaw a £50 million improvement in profitability. Before that he had senior Executive roles with Whitbread, PepsiCo and Diageo.

David has extensive experience as a Non-Executive Chairman and Director in both the public and private sectors. He has been Chairman of Slug and Lettuce plc, the Senior Independent Director of DX Services plc and was a former Chairman of Avebury Taverns Ltd and Wyevale Garden Centres plc.

David is currently a Non-Executive Director of The Royal London Mutual Insurance Group and of Mothercare plc. David holds an MSc from London Business School where he chairs the Alumni Board and is a Governor. For Duke Street, he chairs Accantia Ltd, SandpiperCI Ltd and The Original Factory Shop Ltd.

David Williams

David Williams, Operating Partner

"It’s important to retain a focus on the strategy of the business and ensure that both Duke Street and the company are working towards its implementation. The Operating Partner has an important role too in ensuring that the Board and business operate in a “no politics” environment. The Duke Street team have integrated and embraced the Operating Partner role and then made it operational in a way which is meaningful and enables the Operating Partners to add value. Other Private Equity houses have their - rarely used - Advisory Boards."

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