David Lawrence

Sustainable Procurement and Value Chains expert. Also specialised in collaboration, partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement. 35 years practitioner experience in blue chips organisations and running collaborative initiatives. CISL PCSB qualified, as well as holding a non-exec diploma and other professional qualifications.

David Lawrence is a senior expert in enabling organisations in their sustainable supply chain ambitions through collaboration, governance and academia. He brings a practical approach to balancing the increasing compliance pressures and sustainability opportunities, with the commercial realities of global supply chains.  David is a Senior Associate at Cambridge University, Institute for Sustainability Leadership, helping develop and deliver material for their Postgraduate Certificate, Masters and online programmes. 

He was until recently the Exec Director of AIM-Progress, the 47-company FMCG sector task-force working collaboratively to improve responsible sourcing practices in their common supply chains. Additionally, David was also the Council Director for The Conference Board of their European Responsible Sourcing Council, helping companies from multiple sectors share best practice. He is a regular conference speaker and contributor to the global debate on the future of Responsible Sourcing. Until December ‘19, David served as an independent Non-Exec Director on the Board of Sedex and was a member Director before that. 

Prior to working independently, David worked at Diageo where his responsibilities included creating and then leading their Sustainable Procurement activities globally, as well as managing Procurement Risk & Governance. As well as holding an Engineering degree and a Diploma in Management Studies, David has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business, from Cambridge University and most recently has completed the Financial Times Non-Exec Director Diploma. 

David is also passionate about wildlife conservation and is a UK Trustee for Care for Wild UK, supporting the worlds’ largest orphan rhino sanctuary. He now lives in France.