David Westhead Email Address

Head of Business Development

About Al Futtaim Group Founded more than 70 years ago, Al-Futtaim Group is one of the leading business groups in the Middle East region. A diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies and a 10,000-strong workforce are involved in automotive, electronic, retail and service, logistics, insurance, civil engineering, computing, furnishing, hardware, advertising, construction, light and heavy engineering, ship repair, steel fabrication, real estate and property development activities. Al-Futtaim Group also represents international brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Volvo, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, National, Panasonic, Technics, Toshiba, Sanyo, Aftron, Alcatel, Ikea, Ace Hardware, Marks & Spencer, Toys R Us, Seiko, Raymond Weil, Westar and Kolber. Al-Futtaim's latest development is Dubai Festival City - a ‘city within a city' that is being developed on a 1,200-acre site which will offer a mix of entertainment, dining, shopping, a marina, hotels, residential and office components. The first phase of development is scheduled for completion in 2006.

David is a Senior Executive with experience in leadership positions across the consumer goods practice gained with leading global brands and companies. A wealth of International operational experience having lived & worked in Europe, Asia & MENA. Challenges invigorate and motivate David as a people person with drive, determination, and ambition. In his career, David has held full P&L responsibility for wholesale, retail, distribution, licensing, franchising with experience in transformation & turnaround. With love for building brands internationally, he has successfully delivered his goals and objectives and increased shareholder value. Experienced in the international development of new and existing brands with extensive experience in building and leading multi-disciplined global teams. David has built up a successful reputation of being honest, trustworthy, and reliable with a vast network of personal and business connections worldwide. As a seasoned presenter David is involved in many retail and leadership programs and is able to inspire audiences and bring innovative ideas into the retail industry. David is also responsible for creating The Social Foot, a leading sneaker retail experience in Asia and MENA.