Independent advice.
Operator experience.
Global perspective.
Built on four decades of global executive and board experience and a trusted international network of operators, advisors and specialists.
We believe value is created through disciplined decisions and consistent execution.
Not through complexity, but through clarity.
Not through volume, but through focus.
We support leaders in making better decisions and delivering on them.
Our name reflects our philosophy
Rival speaks to the deliberate choices required to build sustainable competitive advantage - knowing where to compete, how to win and where not to play.
Street reflects pragmatism: commercial judgement, operating discipline and execution under pressure.
Together, Rival Street represents disciplined choices and execution grounded in real-world leadership experience.
Why we do this
Leading an organisation today is increasingly complex.
Competing priorities, regulatory demands, stakeholder expectations and constant change all place pressure on decision-making.
At the same time, the consequences of those decisions are greater - for performance, for investors and for customers.
In our experience, value creation comes from focus. Not from capital allocated off-strategy, organisational complexity or the pursuit of adjacencies.
We believe leaders benefit from experienced, independent counsel in these moments. Clearer thinking, sound judgement and disciplined execution. That belief underpins Rival Street.
How we work
WORKING TOGETHER
We work directly with Boards, CEOs and investors on a small number of engagements where experience and judgement make a difference.
No large teams or layered delivery models. Where appropriate, we bring in trusted specialists from our global network to support specific initiatives.
Our work is grounded in three principles -
1
Focus on what matters most
Value is created through a small number of critical decisions. We help identify and prioritise those decisions.
2
Apply experienced judgement
We combine strategic perspective with real operating and governance experience to support confident decision-making.
3
Follow through to outcomes
We work alongside leadership teams to translate decisions into execution and results.
Different by design
WE PROVIDE
Independent judgement
We provide objective advice in high-stakes situations, free from institutional bias. This ensures decisions are guided by judgement, experience and long-term value, not institutional interests.
Operator-led experience
Our advice is grounded in executive and board accountability, not theory. We have sat in the roles making these decisions and understand the practical realities of execution.
Commercial focus
Every engagement is anchored in improving performance and returns. We focus on the initiatives that make a measurable difference to growth, profitability and value.
Trusted global network
We work with a trusted international network of operators, advisors and specialists, bringing the right experience to each situation. This platform model provides access to deep expertise while remaining independent, senior and focused on execution.
Founder & CEO
David is an experienced CEO, board director and global executive with four decades of leadership experience across financial services, insurance, investments and professional services.
He has lived and worked from Sydney, New York, London and Brisbane, overseeing businesses across six continents, with responsibility for strategy, capital allocation, customer outcomes, culture and performance.
Most recently, David was the Chief Executive Officer of Australian Retirement Trust – one of Australia’s most systemically important financial institutions and a global institutional investor with AU$375B of AUM for 2.4 million members.
Prior to this, he spent 25 years with Mercer and Marsh McLennan, including roles as Global Chief Commercial Officer and President, International, with P&L accountability across 42 countries and 175 cities.
David has served as a board director in the highly regulated markets of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and South Africa - providing governance oversight and supporting CEOs with strategy, transformation and performance.
Impact highlights
3.5X
Global revenue growth rate post 2020 pandemic over three years.
33%
Streamlined operating model to simplify an organisation, clarify accountabilities and accelerate decision making.
1.4 million
Customers under age 50 moved into High Growth investment option to generate greater long-term retirement incomes.
+1,196bps
EBITDA margin expansion over four years.
Partnering and collaborating for better
David's drive for growth and excellence is matched by his enormous heart for investing in people. David builds high-performing teams who embrace a growth mindset and chase positive impact, all while having some fun along the way.
Kristy
International Chief of Staff,
United States
One of the most influential managers and mentors in my work career. I learned so much from David's multi-disciplinary approach in creating something great for partners and members.
Phil
Digitech Platform Founder,
United Kingdom
David believes in leading from the front, his passion and drive mean that he gets things done, and inspires the people that work with him.
Adam
Head of Investments,
New Zealand
David is an inspirational leader with the ability to see the big picture and the detail in all that he does. He has the ability to draw his team towards organisational goals effortlessly.
Sue
People & Culture Leader,
Australia