David Stears

David Stears has a diverse range of work experience in the field of valuations and finance. David is currently serving as the Head of Valuations at Buzzacott since 2023. Prior to this, they held the position of Head of Investment Valuations at Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) from 2018 to 2022, where they oversaw the valuation of illiquid equity, credit, and infrastructure assets. Stears also worked as a Director - Business Valuations at Menzies LLP from 2015 to 2018, where they led a team in performing valuations for commercial, litigation, and statutory reporting purposes. David served as a Manager - Share and Business Valuations at BDO LLP from 2011 to 2015, and had a secondment as a Corporate Finance Manager at BDO in Australia from 2013 to 2014. Before that, they worked as a Transaction Services & Valuations Manager at Smith & Williamson from 2006 to 2011. Stears also had a secondment as a Corporate Advisory Manager at Nexia ASR Chartered Accountants from 2008 to 2009 and started their career as an Auditor at Wilder Coe from 2003 to 2005.

David Stears completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Economic History from the University of Bristol between 1999 and 2002. In 2006, they obtained the Chartered Accountant certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Later, in 2013-2014, they pursued a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance from Kaplan Australia. In April 2017, they obtained the Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate from Cardiff University/Prifysgol Caerdydd.