It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of a longtime author and friend of Retail Media, David Burton, on September 29, 2021.
David's relationship with Retail Media began in 1991 before Sterling Media and Retail Media became Retail Media Pty Ltd.
He served as a consultant to Retail Media and as a research editor for the Retail World Annual Report and Convenience World Annual Report, and prepared the industry's market share reports for 2000. He also served as a consulting journalist for Retail World and Convenience World.
With a background of more than 30 years in the FMCG, David has built and maintained a high profile in the industry. He led a food discussion group, the Food Industry Discussion Organization (FIDO), as Honorary Chairman for 10 years, and most recently, through his company, DB Management Services, led FIDO as Executive Director.
David launched the universal purchase form trade presentation software owned by his DB media business. He also founded the Australian Brokers and Manufacturers Lobby (ABML) and has served on industry working groups on product recalls and e-commerce.
Via ABML / DB Media, David also provided outsourced data and catalog management for the GS1 Australia National Product Catalog for FMCG customers, from medium-sized companies to multinational market leaders. The ABML business was sold to Si Management Consulting Pty Ltd on September 1, 2020.
Managing Editor Lorna Gloria and Feature Editor Hailey Settineri of Retail World and Convenience World worked with David for more than 10 years. He also worked with fellow Retail Media employees for 15 and over 20 years and made many friendships in and out of the office.
Outside the magazine deadlines, we had a lot of conversations and cheered over chocolate, cake and lunch. David was passionate about football, especially Manchester United, and was often in the office to deliver the highlights of recent games. He enjoyed writing the regular columns that reflected his strength for the industry, analyzing the retail market and delivering news, and also representing retail media at various events.
David was a true gentleman, a dear mentor, and a good friend.
Our thoughts and love for David's family.
He is much regretted.
