‘Supporting a struggling CEO transform their leadership and business by embracing a people-centric approach was one of my proudest moments. Witnessing their growth reinforced the power of mentorship—something I’m passionate about bringing to my role as a Vistage mentor.’

With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles, David McEwen has worked across various executive and advisory positions, including Chair, Non-Executive Director, CEO and Advisory Board Member. His career includes roles at NorthBridge Network Systems, Sensis Pty Ltd and Universal Publishers, where he gained valuable insights into business transformation and governance. David has been recognised for his strategic approach to planning, change management and stakeholder engagement, bringing a practical perspective to his advisory work.

As Chief Publications Officer at Sensis Pty Ltd, David led a $500 million transformation program that consolidated Sales, Production and Customer Care operations. His leadership was pivotal in achieving a 30% year-on-year cost reduction, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and positioning Sensis as a leader in digital advertising solutions.

His ability to steer companies through complex transitions is further demonstrated in his role as Managing Director of Universal Publishers, where he successfully led the sale and integration of the company with Sensis. This transition resulted in an increase in market share from 81% to 88%, improved working capital and maximised shareholder returns.

David’s experience extends to international projects providing a global perspective on business strategy and operations. His governance and compliance expertise were further refined during his tenure as a Director at NorthBridge Network Systems, where he was instrumental in crafting business strategies, setting performance targets and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Career Highlights

• Experienced Leader: Over 20 years as a Chair, NED, CEO, and Advisory Board Member, driving profitability, shareholder equity, and leadership excellence across diverse industries.
• Transformational Leadership: Spearheaded major shifts from traditional to digital models at Sensis and guided successful business transformations and strategic realignments at Arrow Partners.
• Strategic Acumen: Led the sale and integration of Universal Publishers to Sensis, significantly increasing market share and achieving a 30% year-on-year profit boost.
• Governance and Compliance: Collaborated with boards and executives at NorthBridge Network Systems and Business Excellence Australia, ensuring strategic alignment, performance management, and regulatory compliance.
• Industry Expertise: Recognised as an industry expert with direct access to leaders across business, industry, and government through NSW Leaders, driving impactful results for clients and organisations.