David Saunders
Executive in Residence
David will advise Forthlane’s client families on strategy, education, and navigating the escalating pace of change in traditional industries. David served as Dean of Smith School of Business at Queen’s University from 2003 to 2019. Under his strategic leadership, the School experienced dramatic growth, including the addition of new and innovative MBA, professional Masters and executive education programs. To keep pace with this growth, he oversaw significant expansions with the Kingston campus and Smith Toronto, as well as the addition of 80 strategic partnerships around the globe.
David is an expert in negotiation and change management. In addition to working with family businesses, he has consulted and taught executive programs to many diverse organizations, including the Bank of Nova Scotia, Unilever, Hydro-Québec, and the Institute of Canadian Bankers (ICB).
David has a rich background as a researcher and is co-author of three best-selling negotiation textbooks, among numerous other books and papers. He earned a PhD in social psychology from Western University in Canada.