David Burton

David Burton is an experienced professional specializing in agriculture and food systems, currently serving as a Senior Advisor on the Agriculture and Food Team at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change since January 2025, and as a Member of the Board of Advisors at WEglobal since February 2021. Burton has held various leadership roles, including Sector Director for Agriculture at the Department for Business and Trade, where oversight involved enhancing agricultural trade in Africa, and Technical Project Director for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 at Bigen Group. Previous positions include Vice President for Africa at Cowater International and Strategic Development Director at Cardno Emerging Markets, showcasing a strong track record in managing significant teams and expanding business portfolios, with a cumulative work history in rural development spanning over three decades. Burton holds a Master’s degree in International Development from The Open University and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Management from Aberystwyth University.