David Simmonds

David Simmonds  is a member of the expert panel of the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation (CCPC) and a Senior Advisor at Navigator  based out of Toronto.  Most recently, David was  Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs for McKesson Canada. A member of  the company’s  executive leadership team, David was responsible for internal communications, external affairs, media relations, government relations, corporate and event marketing, corporate social responsibility and strategic partnerships for McKesson’s business units in Canada.

Prior to leading Communications and Public Affairs, David was Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Chief of Staff to McKesson Corporation’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. In this role he led a team responsible for designing  the company’s multi-year  growth strategy  across Canadian, U.S., and European operations. David’s experience with public affairs across regulatory environments and with advisory experience to senior leaders in a variety of sectors, will drive his work for the CCPC.

David is Past President of Alumni Western – Western University’s global alumni network; a member of Western University’s Board of Governors; Director and President Elect of the Canadian Club of Toronto; and, an Advisory Board Member of Catalyst Canada. His earlier board work includes six years with Casey House, Canada’s leading HIV Specialty Hospital and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. A graduate of Western University, David holds an Honours BA, MA, and  the executive development program  at the Wharton School.

A sought-after speaker, his commentary can be found in national media including the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and CBC News. In 2015 the Diversity Advancement Network named David one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Canadians.