David Bates

David Bates is an experienced professional with a strong background in vendor governance and procurement. Currently serving as Senior Director and Principal Business Consultant in Vendor Governance and Delivery at Northwestern Mutual since April 2020, David previously held significant roles at US Foods from March 2012 to April 2020, including Director of Indirect Procurement - IT and Director of IT Vendor Management, where responsibilities included vendor strategy, purchasing activities, and financial management. Earlier in the career at Ford Motor Company, David was a Program Manager for Unified Communications and Digital Worker, holding various positions over a nine-year tenure. Academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Industrial Administration from Purdue University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Information Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.