David Cowan leads Spencer Stuart’s global Infrastructure and Energy practices. He advises boards, CEOs and investors on leadership for businesses building, powering and enabling the world’s critical infrastructure. His work sits at the convergence of energy, infrastructure and technology. David works with companies developing and delivering power generation, energy infrastructure and AI infrastructure, as well as the engineering, construction, equipment and services businesses that enable those businesses.
He works extensively with private equity and infrastructure investors, helping them identify and assess CEOs, senior operating executives and board directors capable of scaling businesses, delivering major capital programs and creating value in complex operating environments. David’s work includes CEO succession, CEO and senior operating appointments, board recruitment and leadership advisory. He is particularly experienced in situations where companies are entering new markets, scaling rapidly or undertaking major capital programs. This includes the cultural and leadership transitions required to deliver major capital programs or to make businesses scalable for further growth.
Deep energy and infrastructure expertise
- David is a recipient of Spencer Stuart’s Lou Rieger Quality Award for outstanding client service.
- He was formerly based in the Dubai office of the firm where he led the energy & infrastructure practices in the MENA region.
- Before joining Spencer Stuart, David was a partner in the energy and infrastructure practices of another global executive search firm. He has a long-held interest in renewable energy and has spent a considerable amount of his time on sustainable energy and infrastructure projects for over fifteen years.
Now based in Austin, David has lived and worked in the UK, UAE, Australia and the United States. David holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in genetics from the University of Leeds in England.