David Watkins, Managing Director
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Watkins plays a key role in the company’s expanding practice in Chicago. He leads the growth of our Advisory capabilities in Chicago, which includes overall responsibility for client service, quality, practice development and strategy.  

Prior to joining MorganFranklin, Watkins served three years as Chief Operating Officer of European Operations with Maritz Inc., the world’s largest provider of integrated performance improvement, travel and marketing research services. Watkins lived in London while overseeing operations in Germany, France, Spain and the UK, and also served as Chief Financial Officer of two different Maritz Inc. subsidiaries during his more than eight years with the company. 

Watkins served 20 years with KPMG LLP earlier in his career. During his tenure with KPMG in the Saint Louis office, he functioned as Partner in Charge of the Midwest Region’s Retail and Consumer Products Practice and served in various other leadership positions. 

Watkins is a globally focused Senior Level Executive with more than 25 years of progressive experience in driving profit improvement through improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and optimizing the use of resources. He possesses demonstrated expertise in spearheading merger and acquisition activities both nationally and internationally. He is regarded as a strong leader with excellent communication skills who is committed to increasing profits through innovation and ethical business practices. 

Watkins earned a B.S. in accounting from the University of Illinois. He is also a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and Missouri.