CHICAGO, IL, January 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- David Fairhurst has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

David Fairhurst's international career has been dedicated to reshaping how organizations unlock human potential. He is widely regarded as a leading authority on people-based solutions and modern human resources practices, with 38 years of experience driving transformation across private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Mr. Fairhurst is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OrgShakers (est. 2020), a consultancy recognized for its global expertise in human resources strategy and workplace transformation. Under his leadership, OrgShakers helps organizations address the realities of multigenerational teams, hybrid work, and rapid technological change. The firm integrates artificial intelligence with human-centered design to create practical systems, models, and processes tailored across industries. Its practitioner-led team - senior leaders with deep corporate backgrounds … is known for collaborative, commercially minded problem-solving that has supported significant growth and organizational change for clients worldwide.

Before founding OrgShakers, Mr. Fairhurst served as Executive Vice President and Global Chief People Officer at McDonald's Corporation (2015–2019), playing a key role in a major worldwide business turnaround. He helped reshape organizational structures, leadership capabilities, and franchisee engagement, bringing clarity and unity to a complex global enterprise. From 2014 to 2015, he was Senior Vice President of International Human Resources, contributing to strategic people initiatives across markets.

Earlier, he served as Chief People Officer for McDonald's Europe (2011–2014), during which he was named the United Kingdom's No. 1 HR Practitioner for five consecutive years - frequently referenced alongside renowned HR thinker Professor Dave Ulrich. From 2005 to 2011, he led people strategy across Northern Europe. Beyond corporate leadership, Mr. Fairhurst contributed internationally as a Commissioner for the United Kingdom Commission for Employment and Skills (2011–2015), advising on workforce development initiatives. He previously held senior HR leadership roles with Tesco, GSK (formerly SmithKline Beecham), and The Kraft Heinz Company, and began his career at Lucas Aerospace International.

A committed educator and advisor, he served as a teacher and fellow at the UK Cabinet Office's Sunningdale Institute (2004–2012) and remains active in professional communities. He previously served as an acting Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) for four years and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Mr. Fairhurst's academic achievements include:
• Doctor of University (honoris causa) - Middlesex University, London (2011)
• Doctor of Business Administration (honoris causa) - Manchester Metropolitan University (2007)
• Master's degree in Strategic Human Resources - Manchester Metropolitan University (1996)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management - Manchester Metropolitan University (1993)
• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences - Lancaster University (1990)
He also holds Chartered Companion status with CIPD (2025) and PRISM coaching certification (2023).

His work has earned numerous honors, including lifetime achievement recognition from HR Magazine (2012); multiple Most Influential HR Practitioner titles; No. 1 HR Power Player by Personnel Today; Inspirational Leader in HR (DWF); HR Director of the Year; and Business Communicator of the Year - awarded by the Institute of Internal Communication, a distinction previously presented to celebrated business leaders such as Sir Richard Branson and Dame Anita Roddick.

Deeply committed to service, Mr. Fairhurst has chaired charitable organizations, lectured extensively, supported cancer-related causes, volunteered with Ronald McDonald charities, and led philanthropic initiatives through OrgShakers. Born in Lancashire, he now divides his time between Chicago and the United Kingdom, supporting clients of all sizes - from startups and SMEs to major global corporations and government agencies - including during pivotal moments such as the COVID-19 response.

Looking ahead, Mr. Fairhurst remains focused on helping organizations integrate artificial intelligence responsibly, elevate employee engagement, and design workplaces that strengthen both performance and purpose. His mission is to enable businesses everywhere to achieve more by placing people - supported by smart technology - at the center of strategy.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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