David N. Barnes

David leads IBM’s global agenda in workforce public policy and is based in Washington DC. He oversees IBM’s advocacy on a range of issues including the future of work, labor and employment rules, skills and education, diversity, and the use of AI in employment. He engages on these topics with government leaders and in multilateral fora such as the G7, the EU, and at the OECD where he is Vice Chair of the Business at OECD Employment, Labor and Social Affairs Committee.

David’s global leadership experience includes executive roles for IBM in the U.S., China, Japan, Italy, and Australia.

David was Vice President, Governmental Programs at IBM’s regional headquarters in Tokyo, and responsible for advancing IBM’s public policy priorities across the Indo Pacific. There he also led IBM’s engagement with Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation group and was a member of the City of Shanghai’s IT Advisory Council.

Developing new government affairs strategies for IBM’s international operations has been a feature of David’s experience. Highlights include China, where he was Senior Advisor to the Chairman, IBM Greater China Group, and Italy as Vice President Relazioni Istituzionale.

David speaks at a range of multilateral venues, and at organizations such as Chatham House, the Brookings Institute, and the World Bank. He briefs IBM clients on key policy agendas, and guest lectures at academic institutions such as American University, the National Defense University, and the University of Milan.