Avenir Strategies was founded by David Clark who provides first-hand strategic consultation and facilitation for all projects. An experienced board director and global CEO, David has led successful enterprise transformations and unlocked creative solutions that delivered breakthrough top and bottom-line results. Adept at fixing broken business models and brands, David has been at the helm of marketing and product innovations that meaningfully changed the growth trajectory of some of the world’s most iconic billion-dollar brands like Häagen-Dazs, Yoplait, Cheerios, and Nesquik. His experience and impact span the globe, from his early sales and marketing career in the U.S.
to his extensive international operating experience driving profitable growth across Europe, Latin America, Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Prior to establishing Avenir, David was based in Switzerland as President and CEO of Cereal Partners Worldwide, a $2B joint venture between General Mills (NYSE: GIS) and Nestlé (SWX: NESN) operating in 130 countries. David’s leadership restored growth, driving sales +16% and operating profit +35%. He led an enterprise-wide transformation that contemporized the brands and restructured the organization for effectiveness and agility. In addition, he developed a 10-year strategic plan that will grow the company +50% by 2030 while reducing its environmental impact. Previously, in senior leadership roles at General Mills as President, Yoplait US and President, Häagen-Dazs Strategic Business Unit, David led teams to successfully renovate brands, launch innovations, and re-engineer business models to be mission-fit and more profitable. His impact can be seen from the Häagen-Dazs Shops in China to the Cereal aisle in France to the Yogurt shelves in the United States.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for winning, David combines fact-based analysis with possibilities thinking to create strategies that empower teams to deliver superior results. David believes in making a positive impact that extends beyond financial results. Building inclusive teams, developing future leaders, strengthening at-risk communities, and contributing to the sustainability of enterprises and environments are equally passionate pursuits. He has a long history of spearheading engagement aimed at closing the education achievement gap. In partnership with BestPrep, a Minneapolis-based non-profit organization dedicated to preparing students for success in life, David mobilized local businesses and business leaders to engage in mentoring relationships that have impacted thousands of at-risk students. He has also championed significant DEI and ESG efforts focused on advancing workplace diversity and promoting sustainable farming practices.
David’s accomplishments have been cited by The New York Times, Fortune Magazine, and Minneapolis Star Tribune. He was recognized with an Alumni Professional Achievement Award from the University of Tennessee in 2022, and he was included among the Top 30 Global Marketing Leader by The Internationalist in 2014. In 2010, he was featured among the Marketing Top 50 by Ad Age.
David is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis, MN where he earned his MBA. He also holds a BS in business administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.