David Lawrence, Executive Director, AIM-PROGRESS

David is an expert in enabling organisations to be more effective in their sustainability ambitions through collaborating with others. As Executive Director, David manages AIM-PROGRESS, the 43-member company FMCG sector task-force that works collaboratively to improve responsible sourcing practices in their common supply chains.

David is also a non-executive board member of Sedex, the global non-profit supplier data exchange organisation.

David is the Senior Procurement Advisor for BSR on their Centre for Sustainable Procurement. He is also an associate with The Partnering Initiative, who have aligned objectives to improve sustainability through improving collaboration/ partnering. Additionally, David is a Senior Associate at Cambridge University, Institute for Sustainability Leadership, helping to develop and deliver material for their Post-Graduate Certificate and Masters programmes.

David established Sokwe Consulting to accelerate change in sustainability by helping people work together more effectively. Prior to setting up Sokwe, David worked at Diageo where his responsibilities included creating and then leading their Sustainable Procurement activities globally, as well as managing procurement risk and governance.

David brings a practical collaborative approach to balancing the everincreasing compliance pressures and sustainability opportunities, with the commercial business realities of global supply chains. He is a regular conference speaker and contributor to the debate on sustainable sourcing.

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. He is UK based, having previously worked and lived for several years in Africa. He is also a keen supporter of wildlife conservation.