David Nussbaum

Chief Executive at ‘The Elders’

David Nussbaum, who was the Chief Executive of The Elders Foundation from October 2016 to October 2021, has a diverse and extensive career in both the private and NGO sectors.

Key Roles and Positions

The Elders Foundation: He led and managed The Elders, a group of independent global leaders, mainly former Presidents and UN Secretaries General, founded by Nelson Mandela, working together for peace and human rights.1 2 5
WWF-UK: David was the Chief Executive of WWF-UK from 2007 to 2016 and also chaired the international WWF Network's Global Climate and Energy Initiative.1 2 5
Transparency International: He served as the Chief Executive of Transparency International, the global anti-corruption organization, based in Berlin from 2002 to 2007.1 2 5

Other Notable Positions

Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive of Oxfam: He worked at Oxfam from 1997, including a period heading up Oxfam’s operations in India.1 2 3
CFO of Field Group plc: David was the Finance Director of the European packaging business Field Group plc, guiding it through a management buyout and subsequent successful flotation.1 2 3
Early Career: He originally qualified as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse (now PwC) and later moved into venture capital with 3i.1 2 3

Current Roles

Chair of Anthesis Group, International Alert, and the Joffe Charitable Trust: David currently holds these chair positions.1 3 4
Senior Independent Director of Drax Group plc: He also serves in this role.1 3 4
Board Member of the International Budget Partnership and Member of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group of the Church of England: These are among his other current roles.1 3 4

Education

David holds degrees in theology from Cambridge and Edinburgh universities, an MSc in Finance from London Business School, and an honorary doctorate from Newcastle University.1 2 3

His career reflects a strong commitment to global leadership, sustainability, and ethical governance across various sectors.