David Watson

David leads the Communications and Publications department at Chatham House and works closely with the chief executive on strategic engagement planning.

He has worked in the charitable and public sectors on policy development, international negotiations, public affairs and partnerships since 2002. Prior to joining Chatham House, he was the ODI director of external affairs where he led the public affairs and communications team, advised on maximising research impact, stakeholder management and convening.

David was previously a UK civil servant and diplomat, including for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). During his time working for the government, he led European Union (EU) negotiations for the UK in Brussels on international development, including on the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and was an adviser to the Ethiopian government on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.

David was also private secretary to the secretary of state and ministers in the Energy and Climate Change department, where he also developed policy and managed stakeholder engagement on EU and international climate and energy policy.

David has an MA in Conflict, Security and Development from Kings College, London.