Few understand Cape Town’s unique position in the global spotlight quite like David, CEO of one of the city’s most compelling advocates for sustainable investment. Over the past decade, he has led one of Africa’s most visited destinations through a period of remarkable transformation, steering its evolution from a leisure hotspot to a thriving multi-purpose precinct that fuses commerce, creativity and community.
Having lived and worked across the UK, Central, North and South America, and South Africa, David brings an international perspective to local growth. Under his leadership, the V&A Waterfront has become a benchmark for inclusive and future-focused development. He has overseen everything from establishing the acclaimed Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa to driving a thriving ecosystem of creative industries, small businesses and innovation hubs. This is all propelled by a firm belief in the city’s potential: “Our strength lies in the diversity of what we offer as a progressive African city that blends innovation, cultural diversity, and forward-looking urban development. It’s not just about retail or tourism, it’s about creating a platform where ideas, investment and opportunity meet,” he says.
He believes that interconnected growth is one of the key drivers for Cape Town as an investment destination. His vision is to anchor Cape Town as a global gateway where its appeal lies not only in its beauty or well-earned place among the globe’s most celebrated culinary and wine cities, but in its resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s also highlighting how Cape Town has the right ingredients for global competitiveness. “We have a diverse economy, a skilled population and a business environment that increasingly rewards innovation. It’s a city that proves you can grow commercially while delivering positive social impact,” he explains.
As an Invest Cape Town ambassador, David’s goal over the next three years is to help solidify Cape Town’s standing as a competitive investment hub that balances profitability with purpose. He hopes to attract investors who see beyond the short term. He wants to connect with those who value sustainable development, creative energy and inclusion as critical components of success. “Investment here shouldn’t just be about capital flow; it should be about contributing to a legacy that benefits future generations, about developing investment policies and financial mechanisms that enable tourism to deliver on its massive potential to provide job opportunities for people and accelerate climate action,” he adds.
Despite his global career, David remains deeply connected to the spirit of Cape Town. What excites him most about the city’s future is its ability to reinvent itself. “We’re at a moment where we can redefine what growth means, not just for ourselves, but for the continent,” he says.
Get in touch with David Green