David Watson – Governor

Profile:

David is a Chartered Accountant and graduated in law from Cambridge University. In addition to serving on the Etc. board, he is a member of the Council of the University of York and chaired the Audit and Risk Committee for six years till July, 2026. As of August, 2026, he was appointed Deputy Treasurer of the University and a member of the Finance Committee. In addition, David has previously served as a non-executive director of York and Scarborough NHS Trust and of Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home. 

Through his executive career, David gained extensive management and senior management experience in financial services, specifically in investment banking/corporate finance, private equity and asset management. As a co-founding partner of the asset management firm Pensato Capital in 2007, he was responsible for the overall management of the business. These responsibilities included Corporate Governance, Systems and Controls, Compliance and Regulation, Finance/Audit (manager and funds), Legal, Risk and HR. After building a successful and well-regarded business, David then managed the sale of the business to a sector consolidator in 2017 before moving back to North Yorkshire where he grew up in September, 2018.  

A key driver for David’s decision to join the Etc. board is his belief that learning and education in a safe and secure environment is integral to the future and aspirations of all our children, teenagers and young adults and an essential element in allowing every learner the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Committee membership:

• Audit and Risk Committee (Chair) 
• People Committee 
• Link Governor for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging