David has a skill set and track record as an operator, investor and leader of businesses in mainland China that is quite unique for a non-Chinese national.

I have worked with David across multiple sectors in China – including on some extremely competitive projects – and am happy to recommend him as a trusted and confident advisor.

You came with a vision of building a multi-brand platform for bringing international F&B concepts into the hot China market. You began with building a strong – and large (50+) – team, bringing on some of the top personalities and minds to support the endeavor. Your belief in the vision allowed you to “go big” finding and hiring the headcount needed for the medium term. Thinking ahead, not only reigning in expenses.

At the same time, you allowed many of us to participate in forming a values-based corporate culture to allow us to thrive, understanding that we had to embody that and exude those values. Finally, you succeeded by building relationships among all key stakeholders, international and local. Those included investors, government officials, property developers, brand owners and of course, employees.

Subway and Domino’s each thrived under your leadership. The platform vision has allowed both to continue to grow and continue, even after your departure as Vice-Chairman. Thank you for your
encouragement and support always.

David and I worked together on the NFP Board of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. Austcham Shanghai is Australia’s largest business chamber in China. David was Chairman of the Board.

During David’s stewardship, AustCham saw not only significant growth but also a meaningful increase in governance and oversight – all as a consequence of his strategic direction. A move to engage with specific groups such as SME and industry-based groups as well as the successful introduction of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program were all features of his tenure.

As David’s Vice Chairman I had a front row seat to all these initiatives as well as the almost limitless energy and dedication he brought to the role. The consummate professional with a keen eye for both strategy and implementation, his time at the Chamber was well regarded by all.

Entrepreneur Purpose has been instrumental to Alfie Therapeutics' foundation, early success, and sustained growth. From the initial stages of our start-up journey, we engaged David Keir for advisement on fundraising, finance, governance, and market strategy.

Entrepreneur Purpose helped break down a large-scale project into achievable steps, through providing a systematic approach to take our business from ideation, to the fully-realised and profitable business which now has a reputation for quality and best-in-class service.

David helped me manage the difficult transition from owner-operator to now having hired an outstanding CEO (which he helped me select) that compliments my own strengths. I had tried to make this transition a number of times and failed at removing myself from operational management, and David was the one that helped me to getout. David then worked with us to put in place a clear strategy for the business and assisted me as I sold equity to a strategic partner. I am grateful for his assistance and frequently recommend him to business owners looking to either scale their business or increase business value prior to a planned sale transaction.

David is brilliant in refining corporate strategy, holding teams to account in execution and scaling companies, His integrity and passion for helping people make him a trusted advisor in business and personal affairs. I especially appreciate David’s purpose led and values driven approach, which makes him stand out from others in this field.

The considered input of a business mentor is a vital part of the early stages of any enterprise. Our start-up has benefited tremendously from Entrepreneur Purpose. David took the time to understand our goals, and see our unique strengths. Navigating the early challenges was much simpler with his input. I’ll never forget how well he listened and made key recommendations as we discussed the path ahead.

There was I standing at the whiteboard, pen in hand explaining how my passion project was gaining traction… David actively listened and asked thought-provoking questions. Not only was it his insight in recommending a key system platform (LMS) but his caution around pacing the growth was crucial to ensuring we didn’t try to grow more quickly than the market.

I highly recommend this astute mind as you grow the vision you have for your enterprise.