Our Founder
Experience forged in the real world
David Watts is the founder of Forgemaster and a senior finance and commercial executive with more than 30 years’ experience across financial management, strategy, corporate transactions and business leadership.
His introduction to business, however, was far removed from the boardroom.
David began his career as a young cost controller in the coalfields of Northern England during a period of significant industry rationalisation and pit closures. It was a challenging environment and an early education in the realities of business.
Cost, productivity, efficiency and economic viability were not simply numbers on a spreadsheet, they had real consequences for businesses, employees and communities.
That experience was character-building and shaped a commercial philosophy that has remained with him throughout his career: understand the economics, focus on what matters, and never lose sight of the people affected by business decisions.
David Watts ACMA, CGMA, CPA (Aust)
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From the coalfields to the boardroom
Over the following three decades, David progressed through senior financial, commercial and leadership roles, including extensive experience as a CFO.
A qualified CPA, CIMA & CGMA member, David has worked alongside business owners, boards and management teams through growth, acquisitions, divestments, financing, restructuring, strategic change and business transformation.
His experience has particular depth in civil construction, transport and logistics, mining services and other asset-intensive industries.
His approach combines the financial discipline of an accountant and CFO with the practical perspective of someone who has spent his career inside businesses, dealing with real-world challenges, competing priorities and decisions that often need to be made without perfect information.
Why Forgemaster?
Forgemaster was established to make that experience directly available to business owners and leadership teams.
David believes the best advice is practical, independent and commercially grounded. It means understanding the business behind the numbers, asking the difficult questions when necessary and helping turn decisions into action.
The name Forgemaster reflects that philosophy.
Strong businesses are rarely created overnight. They are forged through experience, discipline, difficult decisions, adaptation and continual improvement.
Forging stronger businesses for what’s next.