David Daniel was elected chief executive officer of Spencer Stuart in 2001. Since then, David and his management team have expanded the firm’s global footprint and impact, developed new services and capabilities to address clients’ rapidly evolving needs, and built a distinctive team of professionals dedicated to delivering only the highest quality work.
Like many of the companies it serves, Spencer Stuart has significantly built its presence in developing and strategic markets, including China, India, Brazil and the Middle East, opening offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Dubai and reenergizing investments in Beijing, Shanghai and Sao Paulo.
Recognizing early the growing desire by CEOs and boards for help navigating the evolving demands on them, under David’s leadership the firm has strengthened its position in board and CEO search and also developed specific advisory services in CEO succession planning, senior-level executive assessment and board effectiveness. The firm’s portfolio of practices, offering deep knowledge and expertise in key industry sectors and functional roles, has also been enhanced and expanded considerably.
As is true with many of its clients, Spencer Stuart has also chosen to distinguish itself through an ongoing focus on quality and reputation — of its people, processes, advice and service.
David joined Spencer Stuart’s New York office in 1994 in the Consumer Goods & Services Practice and, since assuming the CEO role, has remained active in multiple client relationships.
Prior to Spencer Stuart, David spent 15 years shaping some of the world's leading brands. He served as president/CEO of Simint USA, the American division of Armani Jeans; president of Louis Vuitton, North America; and CEO of Evian Waters of France (U.S.).
David serves on the Board of Trustees of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and serves on the advisory board of the Yale Center for Customer Insights.
He has a master's degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University.