Our Clients

Testimonials

“David was a keynote speaker at one of our flagship events in the Expo Centre during the Shanghai Expo. David gave an overview on current global urban trends: the demographic, economic and urban issues faced across five major world regions. His analysis was concise, comprehensive, engaging and provided insight on a very broad set of topics. David was able to draw on direct experience from these regions and presented clearly to a diverse international audience.”

Graham Colclough, Capgemini, Vice President, Global Public Sector

“We were exceptionally lucky to secure David as the chair of our ULI advisory panel for the city of Maasmechelen, Belgium. His calm, measured and constructive approach ensured we coped with sensitive situations with local stakeholders. His leadership in the panel deliberations guaranteed that we remained focused on the task in hand when it would have been easy to get distracted and run out of time. He made sure that our final recommendations to the city were considered, concise and practical and they were exceptionally well-received.”

Alexandra Notay, Vice President – Strategic Programmes, ULI – Urban Land Institute

‘David helped us to develop the Open Cities project into a clear and attractive marketing proposition. His understanding of what makes cities work – their priorities and ambitions – ensured our marketing efforts had the right tone to engage senior city policy-makers. David also developed the sponsorship framework for the project which has proved a robust structure to continue to develop our membership’

Carolina Jiménez – British Council, Open Cities, Madrid

“David has been an insightful adviser and a good friend to our team over the years. As Gongti has continued to develop so has its importance to the wider economic development of the area, David’s experience in place-making and promotional strategy has always proved an invaluable support to our continued fast-paced growth”

Eric Gao, CEO Sports Window, Beijing

“David joined us for our City Branding conference in June, his keynote speech provoked ideas and stimulated discussion on major global trends, and his subsequent advice and media engagement helped to set the tone of the discussion on the brand opportunity for Novosibirsk.”

Lada Yurchenko, Director, Novosibirsk Marketing Agency

“David brought significant understanding and a real clarity to the development of London’s international promotion strategy and brand positioning. His advice was crucial in the setting-up and smooth running of the Promote London Council and the subsequent creation of London & Partners under a single brand. David is creative, insightful and strategic, all of which adds up to interesting marketing and promotional propositions.”

Daniel Ritterband, Director of Marketing and 2012 Communications, Office of the Mayor of London

“Global Cities have brought insight, experience and a single-minded clarity to the development and implementation of the Aarhus brand. As with any city, our partners are multiple and varied, Global Cities have known how to engage each of these sectors; politicians, business and cultural institutions. They have demonstrated gravitas and tact and engaged stakeholders in every part of the brand development, ensuring that the brand strategy and concept have city-wide buy-in; something we consider mission-critical to the success of the brand.”