David Roth
The CEO of The Store, the WPP Global Retail Practice, for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia
David Roth is CEO of The Store, the WPP Global Retail Practice, for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Mr. Roth started his career at the House of Commons, working for a member of the UK Parliament. He swapped the cut and thrust of politics for the cut and thrust of advertising. Joining Bates Dorland, he became main board Director for Strategy and Managing Director of the consulting and digital divisions. David was the CEO of the worldwide retail and technology center of excellence. He joined Kingfisher’s B&Q, one of Europe’s largest retailers, sitting on the main board of directors as UK and International Marketing Director. With extensive knowledge and experience of working in fast growth markets, David was part of the leadership team that took B&Q stores to Asia, opening branches in Taiwan, China and Korea, as well as in Russia, Poland and Turkey. He has lived in Shanghai and has been travelling to China for more than 18 years. David has authored a number of books and studies, including the “Retailing in a Recession” playbook series, “Brand China,” in “Green Business,” and “A History of Retail in 100 Objects,” a book and podcast series which he edited and narrated. He also co-wrote “The Thoughts of Chairmen Now: Wisdom and Insights from China’s Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs,” and is the Editor of “Leaders in the Hot Seat: Behind the Brands that Shape Lives and Build Value.” David also runs the seminar series, “The Future of Retail.” His latest book, “The Next Era of Digital Retailing,” was co–written with Steve Jones, a futurologist from Intel. A frequent broadcaster, speaker at international events and lecturer on management development programs for senior Chinese business leaders and entrepreneurs, David advises companies on their China strategy. He is a non-executive director of TFT, a non-governmental organization dedicated to sustainable production, and Chairman of the Centre for International Business and Management at Brunel University London and Queens’ College, University of Cambridge. He can be reached via email at david.roth@wpp.com (www.wpp.com) and followed on Twitter at @davidrothlondon. He blogs on brands, retail, technology and more at davidroth.com