David Schannon – EVP, North America

David recently joined the Proxima team from parent company, Bain & Company, having specialized in its procurement practice. Based in North America, in his role as Executive Vice President, David will be focused on growing Proxima’s presence and offering. 

Let’s start with your background. Where are you from, what’s your area of expertise, and what was your career like before Proxima?    

“I grew up in San Diego and moved to Boston to study Computer Science and Management Science at MIT.  I have always had an analytical mindset and was interested in how companies make decisions, so the idea of consulting as a career intrigued me.  I interned one summer at Bain and had the opportunity to solve some really interesting business problems – and I was hooked. That experience set the course for my career.

“Starting as a generalist consultant at Bain, I worked across industries on different topics – strategy, performance improvement, and M&A. Over time, I realized what energized me most were projects that generated tangible outcomes, particularly in cost reduction and operational efficiency. That passion led me to Bain’s Performance Improvement practice, where I took on my first procurement project. I loved the mix of strategy, execution, and client impact – and from that point on, procurement became my sole focus.

“For over a decade, I’ve specialized in procurement, helping Bain build its procurement practice and working with clients to generate value from their external spend. Now, I’m excited to bring that expertise to Proxima, continuing to drive real, measurable results.”

As you’ve said, you’re joining Proxima from our parent company, Bain & Company. In that role, you worked a lot with Proxima. Tell us more about that experience.

“I was working at Bain when it acquired Proxima, and I saw it as an exciting opportunity because what Proxima brings to the table is a deep execution capability that Bain did not have.  Together, Bain and Proxima can offer our clients a very compelling value proposition that is truly end-to-end. Not only can we develop a great strategy, but with Proxima, we can now actually implement and execute that strategy and drive it all the way to results. We are winning work because we have this great end-to-end capability, and we are really delivering great results together.

“What I’m really looking forward to in my new role at Proxima is accelerating this success. I’m going to be focused on Proxima’s presence and offering in the US, to increase our client base and expand the impact we have with our clients”

Can you talk more about the culture here at Proxima?

“Bain and Proxima share strong cultural synergies, but what I love most about Proxima is its lack of hierarchy. Everyone, regardless of level, is valued, encouraged to speak up, and given the space to contribute their ideas. There’s a real sense that every voice matters, which creates a dynamic and empowering environment.

“Collaboration is at the heart of how we work. The teams here are highly engaged, fostering open discussions, idea sharing, and genuine camaraderie. There’s a strong sense of connection – people don’t just work together; they actively support and get to know each other. It’s a culture that drives both great results and a great workplace.”

What do you think a joiner would be most excited about joining Proxima?

“The work we do is incredibly impactful and generates tangible results, which makes being part of Proxima exciting. You get to tackle meaningful, high-value projects across a diverse range of clients, constantly honing your skills and expanding your expertise. The variety keeps things dynamic, ensuring you’re always learning and growing.

“For those starting their careers, it’s an incredible place to learn from talented professionals with decades of experience.  You gain hands-on experience that builds a strong foundation. For those with more experience, Proxima offers the opportunity to make a real impact – leveraging your expertise to drive results at scale across multiple clients. It’s a place where you can grow, contribute, and truly make a difference.”

What are you seeing US businesses facing at the moment in relation to procurement?

“During COVID, procurement priorities shifted from cost to risk and resilience. But now, with higher interest rates and ongoing economic pressures, cost optimization is firmly back on the agenda for most businesses. Managing spend effectively is critical, and companies are looking for smarter ways to control costs without compromising efficiency or resilience.

“At the same time, digitization and AI are transforming procurement. Every company is somewhere on its digital journey, but there’s always more to do. Procurement teams are assessing their digital strategy roadmaps, identifying necessary investments, and exploring automation to streamline operations. The goal is to free up procurement teams from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives that drive real value.

“Balancing cost control with digital transformation is now a top priority, and procurement is at the center of this evolution – helping businesses not just save money but operate more effectively in an increasingly complex world.”

What about outside of work? What do you enjoy doing, and what does a work-life balance look like to you?

“My family is my number one priority, and most of my time outside work is spent with them.  We recently added a new addition – a 3-pound teacup poodle named Whisky.  Beyond family, golf is definitely my biggest passion – I try to play whenever I can, and I also have a passion for growing the game.  I co-lead a non-profit in the golf space called Park Golf.  Our mission is to bring the game of golf to new generations of young golfers by reducing the barriers to participation.
 
“My favorite place to travel is Scotland. It’s a great combination of my passions in life: golf, whisky, good food, and friendly people.”

Finally, do you have a favorite piece of advice you can share with our readers?

“I am a live-in-the-moment kind of person. You never really know how much longer you have left on this planet. So, my best piece of advice would be to take a minute. Try and take a minute to appreciate life and enjoy every moment.”