David S.

Brand | Narrative | Strategy | Communications

United Kingdom

About

Narrative, brand, and communications director specializing in frontier technology, AI, Web3, FinTech and emerging digital ecosystems. Over the last decade, I've built and scaled global communications and brand functions for companies operating at the edge of technological and cultural change. My work focuses on helping organizations translate technical complexity into narratives, positioning, and movements that shape markets, align teams, attract communities, and establish category leadership.

Experience

  • Director of Brand and Communications at io.net
    Dec 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    Lead strategic brand, positioning, and campaign development for a decentralized AI infrastructure company operating at the intersection of compute, AI, and distributed systems. • Define and activate a differentiated brand strategy positioning io.net within the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure landscape while capturing 20% share of voice. • Architect integrated brand and go-to-market campaigns translating complex infrastructure concepts into clear market narratives across enterprise, developer, and ecosystem audiences. • Align corporate strategy, product positioning, content, social, and community functions around a unified narrative and growth strategy.

  • Head of Content and Communications at Starknet Foundation
    Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Built and scaled the global content and communications function from the ground up for one of the leading ecosystems in Web3 infrastructure. - Led a full organizational brand transformation, defining strategic positioning, messaging architecture, tone of voice, narrative frameworks, and brand identity systems. - Established executive communications, ecosystem storytelling, PR strategy, and thought leadership initiatives to strengthen market positioning and increase visibility across the Web3 industry. - Created scalable internal communications infrastructure including organizational values, crisis communications protocols, leadership messaging, and employee communications systems.

  • Head of Content and Communications at NEAR Foundation
    Dec 2022 - Jun 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Led a global, cross-functional communications team across content, PR, and editorial strategy for one of the most active Layer 1 blockchain ecosystems, operating across developer, institutional, and consumer audiences. - Designed and executed an integrated content and communications strategy spanning product, marketing, developer relations, and community initiatives. - Owned executive communications for C-suite leadership, including thought leadership programs, keynote speechwriting, and byline articles placed in mainstream and industry publications across the UK, EU, and US. - Established brand messaging frameworks and editorial standards to ensure narrative cohesion across a complex, multi-stakeholder ecosystem.

  • Brand and Narrative Director at AppsFlyer
    Oct 2019 - Nov 2022 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Owned company-wide brand narrative and positioning strategy for a global SaaS leader in mobile marketing measurement, operating across 18 offices and serving enterprise clients worldwide. - Directed the creation of a new brand identity and corporate website, aligning product, marketing, and sales messaging into a cohesive market narrative. - Defined and operationalized a shared product story, providing consistent messaging infrastructure for product marketing, launches, and enterprise sales enablement. - Built an internal communications framework supporting product launches, CSR initiatives, and HR communications across a globally distributed organization.

  • Head of Brand and Content Strategy at Kin Ecosystem
    Apr 2018 - Oct 2019 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Orchestrated end-to-end brand identity development for a Web3 fintech ecosystem, shaping the company's public presence through a period of high-growth and market expansion reaching 100s of developers and tens of thousands of users.. - Built and executed brand, communications, PR, and messaging strategies positioning Kin within the competitive intersection of blockchain technology and consumer financial services. - Managed internal creative, research, and strategy teams alongside external agencies, maintaining brand integrity and narrative consistency across all channels. - Served as primary writer, company spokesperson, and senior advisor to the executive team on communications strategy and external positioning.