David Brownlow, Chief Executive

David graduated from Newcastle Polytechnic with a degree in Economics and began his career with Thames Valley Police. In 1989, he moved into recruitment, working first with Hays Accountancy Personnel in South East England and subsequently with Douglas Llambias Associates in London. Having teamed up with Philip Eaton, in 1996 they launched their own recruitment consultancy. That business trades today as two companies, Woodhurst and Walgrove. In 1999, David and Philip set up the professional services and resourcing firm, Huntswood. In 2004 David and Philip sold 30% of Huntswood to 3i.

In addition to being CEO of Huntswood, David is a member of the financial services industry's Cornhill Club. He is also a Trustee of The Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health, a Patron of The Prince of Wales Hospice, a Patron of the NSPCC Full Stop Campaign, and with a keen interest in ballet is a sponsor of the Royal Ballet Company. David is a member of the Royal Opera House Foundation’s Development Committee. He also enjoys watching horse racing and is a member of the Reform Club.

In autumn 2005 David was named the National ‘Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year’ in the Ernst & Young / Sunday Times / Coutts Awards. In November 2007, David was named ‘Best Chief Executive’ at the Industry Awards Ceremony, which recognises Outstanding Service to Compliance and Regulation. The ‘Best Chief Executive Award’, sponsored by Deloitte, is presented each year to a Chief Executive who has ‘excelled in leading their business in a manner that is compliant, profitable and enlightened’.