David Coughtrie became a CET Trustee in 2011 and Chairman in October 2014. He retired as a Trustee in September 2020 and was appointed Chairman Emeritus and Honorary Fellow. During his term, he led the Trust in refocussing on a proactive path, promoting an understanding of the need and breadth of commercial education and ability, raising its profile through annual lectures by prominent speakers and regular gatherings of like-minded organisations.
Born in Ayrshire, educated at Ayr Academy and Strathclyde University, where he studied architecture, David practised in Scotland before moving to London to work in the transport sector. An aptitude for project management led to high profile appointments in the UK and overseas, becoming a director of London Transport and Managing Director of international consultancy companies. He set up DCA Ltd management consultancy advising the World Bank, governments and corporate clients on strategic options for public transport in Europe, Africa, Middle and Far East and the Americas. Appointed Claims Director of Eurotunnel, he led a multidisciplinary team winning a significant multi-million-pound award against TransManche Link, the consortium of ten Anglo-French contractors.
A Member of the Union Internationale des Transports Publics, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, as well as a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, he has served on various government and trade committees. David was appointed a Freeman of the City of London in 2016.
A long-term member of the London Scottish Diaspora, he has served as President of the Caledonian Society of London, Chairman of The Caledonian Club and now Vice President. He is a former Trustee of ScotsCare, chairing the property committee, now a Life Guardian. David lives in Dulwich and is active in local activities, while maintaining close links with Scotland, retaining property in Ayrshire, where he is a Patron of Dalmellington Silver Band.