Back where it all began

Oct 5 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

From the glitz and glamour of the music industry, via massive corporate success with WH Smith to the wide skies of Northumberland, Karen Dent meets David Clipsham, who is now using his talents to boost businesses in the North East.

The CV

1964-1967
Cambridge University MA Hon (Modern Languages)

1967-1971
Procter & Gamble Ltd marketing trainee; brand management

1971-1973
Carreras Rothman Ltd, product group manager

1973-1980
Warner Music [UK] Ltd, sales and marketing director

1980-1985
Marketing consultant. Clients included Sony UK Ltd, Midland Bank and Pentos plc

1985-1990
WH Smith Group plc – Our Price Music, managing director and then chairman; Paperchase, chairman; Waterstones, deputy chairman

1990-1994
Universal Music [UK] Ltd, managing director Mercury Records

1994-1997
Chief executive Cartel International Ltd

1997-1998
Acting managing director Ronson International plc

1998-1999
Directer-general KCP Myrys SA

Non-executive

1994-1999
GAME plc

1999-2002
Creature Labs Ltd

2002-2004
Kaboom Studios Ltd

2003-2005
Sound Control Ltd

2003-2007
Keenpac Ltd

2005-2007
Prism Leisure Ltd

1999-2007
Virtual Music Stores

1996-2008
Head 2 Head Training, Chairman of trustees

Since 2005
Utilita Ltd

Since 2009
The Pen Shop

October 2008
Non-Executive Director of the Year at North East Business Executive of the Year Awards