David Frank

Dial Square 86

David began his career in investment banking in the early 80s. After five years in the City he swapped banking for financial journalism, a career move which led him to the BBC by 1989. After three years with the BBC as an on-air reporter, David quit the corporation to set up his own independent television production company.

David founded RDF Media in 1993 having raised financing from business angels. He grew the company from a single person entity to an Anglo-American content group with annual sales of c£130m and a value of £150m in 2010 when it was sold to De Agostini and became part of Zodiak Media group. Along the way RDF raised VC finance, was listed on the London Stock Market and was the subject of a management-led leveraged buy-out (initiated by David).

In 2010, as part of the sale of RDF to Zodiak, David become CEO of Zodiak Media, one of the largest television production groups in the world with annual sales of c£500m and operations in 20 countries. David was responsible for the integration of more than 50 companies worldwide (as a result of Zodiak’s rapid buy and build strategy initiated in 2008), a £200m re-financing of the group and numerous creative initiatives. In 2013, David stepped down from his position at Zodiak to set up Dial Square 86.

Over his years of experience David has financed numerous start-ups, acquired many companies, ran a public company, raised significant bank and equity finance and established himself as a leading figure and entrepreneur in the UK media industry.

Dial Square is launching in October 2014 with the objective of building a next-generation content group.

Speaking at: The Big Issue: Does "Work for Hire" Work for You?