Fascination with the Facets of Business

A member of the first five-person BCom Honours group, Sir David has gone on to a distinguished career in accounting including being the first Chairman of the International Accounting Standards Board, and was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2013.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"Knowing many of the outstanding alumni—several of whom graduated long before I did—it is humbling to be selected."

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"A fascination with the many facets of business and a desire to explore management techniques."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"I was a member of the first five person BCom Honours group in 1966 and enjoyed the interaction between the students, Professor Hunt, Mr McKenzie, and Professor Behrend in designing the curriculum. I so enjoyed the year I stayed on to do a PhD."

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"Management style is critical. Enthuse and empower your employees and they'll back you completely."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"Cleaning up British Accounting as the first Chairman of the Accounting Standards Board (1990–2000) and, as the first Chairman of the International Accounting Standards Board (2001–2011), gaining acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards replacing national standards in over 120 countries."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"Look and learn, don't voice your view too soon, and study the informal as opposed to the formal organisation—the former is the way the business operates."