David joined ICRISAT in January 2015 to lead its strategy development to ensure science, demand-driven innovation and strategic partnerships come together to translate science into prosperity for rural families in the dryland tropics of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Prior to joining ICRISAT, David worked on the Agriculture Development team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and led their Digital Agriculture initiative. As Director General of ICRISAT, David continues to build partnerships that leverage the power of digital technology to accelerate the development and delivery of farmer-preferred products and services. To this end, ICRISAT is working closely with national partners along value chains of ICRISAT’s mandate crops (sorghum, pearl and finger millet, chickpea, pigeon pea and groundnut) to ensure our science improves the lives of farmers and nutrition for all consumers. ICRISAT refers to these crops as Smart Food – Good for consumers nutritionally, Good for the planet by diversifying farms and Good for smallholder farmers by increasing their resilience and offering diverse market opportunities. David is a Canadian national who has worked in international agriculture research for development for over 25 years.