David Andrews is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of expertise in technology consulting, platform creation, and business turnarounds. Known for his forward-thinking vision and hands-on approach, David has led transformative initiatives across industries, from virtual worlds and AI-driven platforms to machine translation services. His broad skill set in strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership has made him an invaluable asset to top technology companies in the U.S. and Japan, where he has helped redefine product offerings, optimize user experiences, and execute successful exits.
Currently, David serves as the CEO of verifi.life, where he leads a cutting-edge initiative focused on AI and digital identity verification. As AI clones become more sophisticated, verifi.life provides essential tools to confirm the authenticity of individuals in remote interactions, addressing a critical need for both businesses and consumers. In this role, David is shaping an emerging field, applying his extensive experience in product development and innovation to create user-friendly, effective solutions against digital scams.
Before verifi.life, David held executive roles at Qorums, initially as Chief Innovation Officer and later as Co-CEO. During his tenure, he spearheaded product and service innovations, enhancing the company’s value proposition and expanding its market footprint. His leadership at Qorums exemplified his expertise in strategic growth and digital transformation, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader adept at navigating complex challenges in hybrid work environments.
David’s entrepreneurial journey began with notable ventures like Interlingua, the first computer-based translation business focusing on Japanese and Korean patents. Through strategic partnerships, including one with Fujitsu Japan, he introduced the first commercial-grade translation service for Japanese patents to the U.S. and European markets. Under his leadership, Interlingua became a top translation provider, capturing a significant share of technology clients and marking a successful exit through its sale.
In the virtual world arena, David’s impact was groundbreaking. At VZones, he led a successful management buyout (MBO) from Fujitsu and took the company public on NASDAQ via a reverse merger. Inspired by the early concepts of the “metaverse,” VZones pioneered in-world commerce by enabling users to purchase virtual real estate and objects. David’s foresight and leadership helped establish a new economic model that continues to influence today’s virtual and digital platforms.
David’s expertise extends to consulting roles as well. He served as a Senior Consultant and Strategy Partner for The Headset Group, where he provided optimized UX services and strategic guidance for web development partners. His work in UX and digital design showcases his versatility in understanding and enhancing customer engagement in digital platforms.
Earlier in his career, David demonstrated his turnaround capabilities as Divisional General Manager/Vice President at Fujitsu. Faced with a division operating at a $3.5 million loss, he restructured and revitalized the unit, achieving breakeven within three months and profitability in six. His swift success led to a management buyout, setting the division on a growth trajectory.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Essex, and he is proficient in both English and Japanese, bringing an international perspective that has been invaluable in his cross-border roles. His cultural insights and strategic alliances have enabled him to bridge markets, particularly between the U.S. and Japan, facilitating technology transfers and innovations across borders.
A hands-on leader, David is passionate about innovation, product development, and creating sustainable business models. With a career dedicated to enhancing organizational resilience and fostering growth, he brings a unique blend of creative vision, technical knowledge, and strategic insight to every venture he undertakes.
Character:
David is a visionary leader who approaches each project with integrity, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering sustainable results. His “out of the box” thinking has earned him a reputation for creativity and resilience in navigating complex business challenges.
Knowledge:
With a strong foundation in technology, business strategy, and platform innovation, David combines broad industry knowledge with specialized expertise in digital transformation and turnaround strategy. His career spans diverse areas, including AI, virtual worlds, and international partnerships, showcasing his adaptability and depth of experience.
Strategic:
David has a proven track record of driving growth and market expansion through successful turnarounds, M&A, and new product launches. His ability to anticipate trends and position businesses for long-term success reflects his strategic acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
Communication:
Fluent in English and with working knowledge of Japanese, David’s communication skills facilitate effective collaboration across cultures and markets. His background in cross-border initiatives and partnerships highlights his ability to bridge cultural gaps and build strong international relationships.