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David Withers
Chairman at Burrana
Professional Background
David Withers is a highly accomplished leader in the aviation and inflight entertainment industries, renowned for his innovative approach and extensive expertise. He founded Burrana in 2009, a company that has grown to be the third-largest tier-one supplier of inflight entertainment solutions globally, with over 1,700 aircraft operating its advanced cabin systems. The inception of Burrana was marked by the rebranding of digEcor following the acquisition of the inflight entertainment assets from Rockwell Collins in January 2019. Under David's leadership, Burrana has emerged as a significant player in the market, continuing a legacy that spans over 50 years of development and delivery of cutting-edge inflight entertainment (IFE) systems.
Prior to his journey with Burrana, David held significant positions within Boeing Australia, where he served as President beginning in November 2006. His association with Boeing started earlier that year when he took on the role of General Manager of Boeing Services Australia. David's leadership in these pivotal roles fostered a culture of innovation and excellence, shaping the future of aircraft services in the region. Before joining Boeing, he was instrumental in establishing Smiths Aerospace's Asia Pacific businesses as their Managing Director for seven years. His career began in a more technical capacity at Qantas, where he served as a Senior Avionics Engineer for the 737/A300 fleet, laying the groundwork for his exceptional leadership and technical prowess in the aviation sector.
Education and Achievements
David possesses a solid educational foundation complemented by a wealth of practical experience. He studied at various prestigious institutions, obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering (Communications) from RMIT University and an MBA in Technology Management from La Trobe University. His commitment to personal and professional growth continues, being a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, enhancing his knowledge in corporate governance and leadership.
Beyond his formal education, David has earned recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. These accolades reflect his deep commitment to the aviation industry and his dedication to exemplary leadership and governance practices. He is a firm believer in the importance of company culture and is passionate about fostering agile, responsive organizations. David advocates for the empowerment and inspiration of team members to cultivate a shared vision and values that drive success.
Notable Contributions
Beyond his primary career and achievements in the aviation and inflight entertainment sectors, David has successfully held multiple non-executive positions with not-for-profit organizations within the mental health and disability sectors. His extensive experience as a non-executive director for organizations such as Multicap showcases his commitment to community service and making a positive impact through strategic leadership. His role as chair of the strategy committee at Multicap also reflects his ability to contribute meaningfully to organizational growth and sustainability.
Throughout his career, David has demonstrated a dedication to excellence, innovation, and community engagement, making notable contributions across various sectors. Beyond his professional accolades, he enjoys an active lifestyle, splitting his time between Brisbane, Australia, Dublin, Ireland, and California, where he indulges his passion for aviation, cycling, and sailing in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Achievements
- Founder of Burrana, a leading inflight entertainment solutions provider with over 1,700 aircraft equipped with their systems.
- Former President of Boeing Australia, significantly influencing aircraft services and operations within the region.
- Extensive leadership experience as Managing Director at Smiths Aerospace's Asia Pacific businesses and other key roles in the aviation sector.
- Accumulated vast expertise in inflight entertainment, engineering, and operational excellence in commercial aviation.
- Active non-executive director and strategic leader in various organizations throughout the mental health and disability sectors.
- Recognized Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, showcasing his commitment to the aviation industry and governance practices.
