David Simmonds

Visiting Professor, Western’s School of Advanced Studies

David Simmonds is currently a 2020 Visiting Fellow at Western University’s School of Advanced Studies and a Senior Adviser at the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation. His teaching focuses on advanced communications, brand, and policy practices as they relate to public persuasion, social storytelling, ethics, power and privilege. 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 served as Global Vice President 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 possesses deep experience with reputation, brand strategy, financial communications and corporate affairs across regulatory environments with advisory experience to senior leaders in a variety of sectors.

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. He is also a member of the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation’s expert panel. 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 completed 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.