David was appointed as Group Head of Public Affairs in December 2024. In this role he will support the Group Chairman, Group Chief Executive and other senior leaders to deliver the Group’s integrated political and regulatory engagement strategy.

David joined HSBC from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where he worked for 30 years as a diplomat specialising in international security and other foreign policy issues. He has wide experience of international issues including across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

David was the UK’s Ambassador to NATO from 2022 to 2024. He served as UK Ambassador to Israel from 2015-2019. He held other overseas postings in India, Zimbabwe and at the United Nations Security Council.

In London, David was the Prime Minister’s Adviser on International Affairs and Deputy National Security Adviser from 2019 to 2022, including chairing crossgovernment committees on relations with the US and with China. He was Private Secretary to the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street from 2004 to 2006. He ran the Middle East and North Africa Department from 2012 to 2015.

David was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in the 2025 New Years Honours for services to British foreign policy and international security. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 2015.

David studied history at Cambridge University and worked in the private sector for seven years before joining the FCDO. He lives in London and supports Arsenal football club. He and his partner Aldo Henriquez got their civil partnership in London in 2011.