Chair | Non-Executive Director | International Leader
Leadership across
sectors & borders
Experienced Chair, Non-Executive Director, Trustee and former CEO with an unusual and international executive and non-executive track record in both private and NGO sectors.
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About
David Nussbaum
Following an executive career in international organisations in the private and NGO sectors, David now has a portfolio of Chair, Non-Executive Director and Trustee board roles. His commercial experience includes serving as Senior Independent Director of a £6 billion FTSE 250 group, formerly Chair of an international sustainability consulting group, and CFO of a newly listed plc.
His NGO experience encompasses geopolitics (at Chatham House and The Elders), environmental leadership at WWF, social development at Oxfam and Traidcraft, and governance at Transparency International and the International Integrated Reporting Council, culminating as CEO at The Elders – working directly with former world leaders in their advocacy with current Heads of State and international institutions.
"An unusual blend of private sector rigour and purpose-driven leadership."
Current Positions
Board Roles
A portfolio of Chair, Non-Executive Director and Trustee positions across listed companies, charities and advisory bodies.
International Alert
Joffe Charitable Trust
Christians Against Poverty
Chatham House
International Budget Partnership
Transparency International UK
Church of England EIAG
Areas of Focus
Expertise
"Bridging commercial rigour with purpose-driven leadership to create sustainable impact."
Corporate Governance
Extensive board experience across FTSE companies and international organisations, with deep experience across audit, remuneration and nomination committees.
Sustainability & Climate
Led WWF-UK for nearly a decade and chaired WWF's Global Climate and Energy Initiative. Champion of integrated reporting and sustainable business practices.
Anti-Corruption & Transparency
Former CEO of Transparency International, the global anti-corruption organisation. Advocate for ethical governance and institutional integrity.
International Geopolitics and Development
Roles with International Alert and Chatham House, and personal engagement with ten former Presidents / Prime Ministers and UN Secretary Generals at The Elders. Extensive engagement with geopolitics and understanding of global development challenges and humanitarian response.
Executive Career
Leadership Journey
A career spanning global leadership roles across the private and non-profit sectors.
2016–2021
The Elders
Led the Secretariat supporting a group of independent global leaders – mainly former Presidents, Prime Ministers and UN Secretary-Generals – founded by Nelson Mandela, working together for peace, justice and human rights.
2007–2016
WWF-UK
Led one of the UK's largest conservation charities through significant growth and impact, while chairing WWF's international climate strategy.
2002–2007
Transparency International
Led the global anti-corruption organisation based in Berlin, building its influence with governments, businesses and civil society worldwide.
1997–2002
Oxfam
Senior leadership role including responsibility for finance, IT and planning. Seconded as Head of Oxfam's programme in India (2000–01).
1991–1997
Field Group plc
CFO of European packaging business through management buyout and successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange.
1982–1991
3i plc & Price Waterhouse
Qualified as a prize-winning chartered accountant with PwC, then moved into venture capital with 3i before transitioning to industry.
Previous Non-Executive Experience
Former Board Roles
Anthesis Group
International Integrated Reporting Council / Value Reporting Foundation
Marks & Spencer plc
Shared Interest
Traidcraft plc
Education
Qualifications
Honorary Doctorate (DCL) ( )
MSc Finance (Distinction)
Chartered Accountant (CA) (Prize Winner)
Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) ( )
MTh Theology ( )
MA Theology (2:1 Honours)
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Additional
Other Activities
Contact
Get in Touch
For board appointments, speaking engagements or other enquiries, please reach out via email.