David Bird

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Supervisory Board at SAUR

Camberley, England, United Kingdom

Overview

David Bird is the Transformation & Retail Director at Thames Water, specializing in customer-centric business turnarounds using digital technology. His career highlights include leading a £400m performance improvement at E. on and increasing revenues at Co-op Energy by £132m. People who have worked with him describe him as strategic, clear-sighted, and passionate.

David is a vocal advocate for the wellbeing and safety of frontline employees, actively supporting campaigns to prevent abuse against public-facing workers. He also shows a keen interest in community-level initiatives, highlighting the importance of local Parent-Teacher Associations and their fundraising efforts for essential resources.

He successfully transformed E. ons residential supply business from a £132m loss to a £260m profit.

Personality Overview

Risk Tolerant

Goal-Oriented

Big Vision Person

Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.  They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.

Topics They Care About

Business Transformation
His entire career is defined by leading large-scale transformations at companies like E. on, Co-op Energy, and now Thames Water, focusing on growth and cultural change.
Customer Experience
He has a clear focus on improving customer outcomes, demonstrated by bringing Thames Water's service teams back to the UK and achieving a 60% reduction in complaints.
Employee Welfare
He actively supports the "Service with Respect" campaign, showing his concern for the rising abuse faced by frontline teams and advocating for their protection.

Media Appearances

Leaders in Focus featuring David Bird, Retail Director, Thames Water. Featured in Boyden

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Thames Water appoints new Retail Director. Featured in Smart Water Magazine

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Leaders in Focus featuring David Bird, Retail Director, Thames Water. Featured in YouTube

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Work History

10-2023
Supervisory Board at SAUR
11-2022
Transformation & Retail Director at Thames Water
1-2021 - 4-2022
Chief Operating Officer at Biffa
12-2019 - 11-2020
Strategic Advisor (Interim) at Nottingham City Council
12-2018 - 12-2019
Non Executive Board Member at Department for Education, Partners in Practice Programme

Education

1979 - 1985
Education details unavailable from St Albans School
1990 - 1992
MBA from International Management Centre

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 39 Location : Camberley, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Supervisory Board at SAUR
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Insights For Selling To David

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Let them know of potential risks but suggest mitigation methods alongside
  • Stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, don't try to wing it
  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game

DONT's

  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results
  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with David is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from David

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will David move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can David take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And David

Personality Compatibility


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