Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, innovator and cancer survivor

Overview
David Downs is the Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, the former CEO of New Zealand Story, an author, ex comedian and one of the most loved speakers on the New Zealand circuit. A former general manager at NZTE and senior leader at Microsoft, he is also a cancer survivor whose CAR-T cell treatment turned a terminal diagnosis into a remarkable second life. He brings business smarts, warmth and humour to every stage.

Who is David Downs?
David Downs held senior leadership roles at Microsoft, in New Zealand and as regional director for South East Asia, followed by a range of general management roles at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. From 2021 to 2026 he was CEO of New Zealand Story, the government agency that markets New Zealand to the world, and in June 2026 he became Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, the agency responsible for growing New Zealand's international education sector. He is the author of No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, A Mild Touch of the Cancer and Silver Linings. He has chaired The Icehouse, the Hi-Tech Trust and the Well Foundation, and is a trustee of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Blood Cancer NZ.

Career highlights

• Chief Executive, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (since June 2026)

• CEO of New Zealand Story, 2021 to 2026, named Place Brand of the Year 2024 by City Nation Place

• Author of No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, Silver Linings and the bestselling A Mild Touch of the Cancer

• Former General Manager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and senior leader at Microsoft

• Has chaired The Icehouse, the Hi-Tech Trust and the Well Foundation

• Trustee, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Blood Cancer NZ

• Co-founder of sosbusiness.nz, raising $2m+ for small business during Covid-19

• Semi-finalist, New Zealander of the Year

Key speaking themes

• Resilience, optimism and positive psychology

• Storytelling for leaders and brands

• Innovation, technology and the New Zealand story

• Leadership, governance and growing high-impact businesses

• Humour, hope and the human side of business

Ideal for

• Leadership and CEO conferences

• Health, wellbeing and resilience events

• Innovation, technology and start-up summits

• Education, export and international business events

• Sales kick-offs and team offsites

• Awards nights, gala dinners and MC roles

Frequently asked questions

What does David Downs speak about?
David Downs speaks about resilience, optimism, storytelling, innovation, leadership and the New Zealand business story.

What is David Downs's current role?
David Downs is the Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, a role he started in June 2026. He was previously CEO of New Zealand Story from 2021 to 2026.

Has David Downs written a book?
Yes, David Downs has written four books: No.8 Re-wired and No.8 Recharged on New Zealand innovation, Silver Linings on the positive stories to come out of Covid-19 in New Zealand, and A Mild Touch of the Cancer on his cancer experience.

How did David Downs survive cancer?
After a year of chemotherapy and a terminal diagnosis, David Downs was accepted onto a CAR-T cell clinical trial in the United States and has been cancer-free since. His charity initiative Down with Cancer raises funds to make CAR-T cell therapy accessible in New Zealand.

What boards has David Downs served on?
David Downs has chaired The Icehouse, the Hi-Tech Trust and the Well Foundation, and chaired the government's Small Business Advisory Group. He is a trustee of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Blood Cancer NZ.

Is David Downs available for workshops as well as keynotes?
Yes. David Downs runs storytelling workshops for leadership teams alongside his keynote speaking and MC work.

How do I book David Downs as a speaker?
David Downs is available to book for keynotes, MC roles and workshops in New Zealand and Australia through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.