David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive Officer, ParalympicsGB

David Clarke OBE is aged 53 and hales from Wigan in North West England and since 1995 has lived in Harpenden with his wife and two sons. Based on a sound academic footing, David developed a highly successful career in the banking sector spanning 24 years and an International Football career which has seen him represent Great Britain and England’s blind football team 144 times scoring a total of 128 goals.

During 2018, David took a conscious decision to play an active role in the third sector following on from several non-executive positions held. In July 2018, he joined the RNIB as Director of Services where he was keenly focused on ensuring visually impaired people have access to the information, advice and guidance they need alongside providing consumer and Commercial services which seek to remove barriers to inclusion. David was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in February 2022.

In March 2023, David was appointed as the first disabled CEO of ParalympicsGB, a role that brings together his sporting, commercial and third sector skill set in to what he describes as a truly dream role.

He is now keenly focused on leading best prepared teams in to the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and driving forward the social impact ambition of the organisation to create a better world for disabled people through sport.

David Clarke Formal Photo

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN!

The program is free but highly selective so firstly we ask senior business leaders working within Marketing, Media and Advertising to nominate the best of their emerging leaders for a place on the program. All ‘nominees’ then receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ which includes essential information about the process.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026 ARE OPEN

Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of country of residence, but must commit to attend both Residential dates & the Virtual day of their chosen cohort. Attendance is mandatory and a condition of acceptance onto the program.