David Finke

Having started my career in consumer electronics, I live where the digital meets the physical and take great pride in recruiting fantastic leaders to the companies, both large and small, that are changing our world with innovative technology and business models.

Get In Touch

David Finke conducts leadership and succession assignments at the board, CEO and CxO level for companies in the technology, automotive and industrial segments. He is a core member of the firm’s Board & CEO Advisory Partners Sector. Based in Palo Alto, David co-founded the Digital Transformation Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates and previously co-led our global Technology Sector. He advises clients on the leadership implications of disruptive trends such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and x-as-a-service offerings. Recent assignments include board appointments for Fortune 500 companies and C-suite succession projects for large-cap enterprises and high-profile venture-backed start-ups.

David worked at three venture-backed start-ups as an executive before transitioning to search. Those companies include Instill Corporation, an on-demand data and analytics providers; Closedloop Solutions, a SaaS firm; and XUMA, a systems integrator and web hosting operation. Previously, he led new product introduction at Silicon Valley icon SGI. David began his career in Japan with Sony, where he gained a strong foundation in electronics and supply chain management.

David received his BA in East Asian studies from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, both with highest honors. He speaks fluent English and Japanese.

Areas of Expertise

Board Director and Chair Search Board of Directors CEO Succession Chief Executive Officers Executive Search Hardware & IOT Operations and Supply Chain Technology Technology, Data, and Digital Venture Capital and Growth

+1-650-233-2400

David Finke

A tireless advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion, David serves as a trustee of The Girls’ Middle School and previously served as a trustee of Leadership Public Schools, a nonprofit charter high school network serving ethnically and economically diverse student bodies in urban neighborhoods.