David Kirk MBE, MB, ChB, BA (Oxon)

David Kirk’s career spans the pinnacle of both sport and business. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax Holdings Limited, Australia’s largest publishing group, from 2005 to 2008. Prior to Fairfax, he was CEO and Managing Director of PMP Limited, Australia’s largest magazine, commercial printing, and media services company, with revenue of approximately A$1.4 billion and 4,000 employees.

Before his corporate leadership roles, David held senior executive positions in Australasia for Norske Skog, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of newsprint and magazine paper grades, as well as for Fletcher Challenge Paper and Fletcher Challenge Energy in New Zealand and Australia. Earlier in his career, he worked as Executive Assistant and Chief Policy Advisor to the Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

In sport, David represented New Zealand in rugby union from 1983 to 1987, playing for Otago and Auckland, and captaining the All Blacks in 1986 and 1987. Under his leadership, the All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. That same year, he was awarded an MBE for services to rugby and began a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University, studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He holds a medical degree from the University of Otago (1985).

David continues to contribute to sport and society as President of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, honorary ambassador for the World Food Program, and trustee of multiple charities. He is also the author of two books, Black and Blue and The Road to Cardiff (with Graham Hutchins), and has contributed to newspapers around the world.

A polished and engaging speaker, David Kirk shares insights on leadership, performance, and resilience drawn from his experiences at the highest levels of both sport and business.