David Smith

The Former People & IT Director of Asda, Former People Director of Asda Stores Ltd, Former Chairman of the Insititute for Employment Studies & Author of "ASDA Magic"

ASDA Magic: The 7 Principles Of Building A High Performance Culture

ASDA Magic: The 7 Principles Of Building A High Performance Culture

Culture Trumps Strategy: Achieving High Performance Through People

Culture Trumps Strategy: Achieving High Performance Through People

Performance Management For The 21st Century: The Seismic Shift To Regular Performance Coaching

Performance Management For The 21st Century: The Seismic Shift To Regular Performance Coaching

Bad Bosses - The Top 10 Leadership Pitfalls Which Most Irritate Followers

Bad Bosses - The Top 10 Leadership Pitfalls Which Most Irritate Followers

David Smith received a 4.5 star rating across 11 events in 2023

Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
"David Smith, a celebrated HR expert and former Asda People and IT Director, is a beacon for enhancing workplace culture and people performance. His acclaimed contributions, from leading revolutionary schemes at Asda to authoring bestsellers on HR practices, make him an invaluable speaker for any corporate event seeking to inspire and transform their human resources approach."

How to hire David Smith

Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring David Smith for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.

David Smith's official speaking topics are listed below:

  • The Seven Principles of Building a High-Performance Culture
  • Performance Management
  • Style of Leadership for Effective Change
  • Powerful Business Communication
  • Leadership in Tough Times
  • Effective Execution
  • World Class Customer Service
  • People Management

Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events

Feedback from In-Person Events:

"We really enjoyed David's session last week! The feedback from the participants has been really positive and one of the stand-out sessions that we had. He was very personable and spoke very well. We had around 97% of participants who do not speak English as a first language but David ensured he spoke at a good pace. The content was great and he kept the audience engaged throughout, with people carrying on the conversations well into the afternoon. Please send him a big thank you from myself and Khuong." - Laura, Executive Assistant, BioMérieux

"The Team were really impressed and inspired. We learned a lot. Your contribution exceeded my expectations, and to be honest, I had pretty high expectations already. Great stuff." - Marketing Director, Liverpool Victoria

"Thank you for a truly inspirational and very enjoyable Masterclass. I don't think I have ever been to such a practical and relevant session." - HRD Red Bull

"I heard Jim Collins opening Keynote, but you were better. You spoke from the heart." - Small Business CEO

"David was excellent and provided a very good speech – we are already receiving lots of questions about when the next event will be." - RAF Wyton

  • 2024 - Recognised as one of the Official Best HR Speakers Ranked on Popularity to Hire by Champions Speakers
  • 2019 - Author of "Bad Bosses: The 10 Leadership Pitfalls Followers Most Resent"
  • 2018 - Author of "Performance Management for the 21st Century: The Seismic Shift to Regular Performance Coaching
  • 2016 - Author of "Culture Trumps Strategy: Achieving High Performance Through People"
  • 2012 - Author of "ASDA Magic: The 7 Principles of Building a High Performance Culture"
  • 2011 - Chairman of the Institute for Employment Studies
  • 2003 - Vice President of the CIPD
  • 2002 - Commissioner of the Equal Opportunities Commission
  • 1999 - People Director of Asda Stores Ltd
  • 1994 - People & IT Director of Asda