We’re thrilled to welcome back David Thomas to Larita Academy 2026, marking his third year as a coach.

David is the CEO of Brand Collective and brings close to 30 years of experience in Australian retail, including roles as CFO, COO and CEO across major national brands. Throughout his career, David has led large teams through transformation and growth, from his early days at Sportsgirl Sportscraft Group to senior roles at Country Road and CEO of David Jones. Today he leads Brand Collective, one of Australia’s most established retail groups.

At Larita Academy, David shares that experience directly with young people, encouraging them to build confidence, recognise their potential and see the opportunities ahead of them.

What motivates you to give your time and expertise to Larita Academy?

“It’s simple - young people deserve a chance. Many who come through Larita have the talent and the drive, but just haven’t yet had the right support of opportunities to realise their potential. Larita Academy is a place where they’re genuinely seen, encouraged, and challenged.

For me, leadership means using my experience to open doors for others, and being part of this program lets me make a real difference. I give my time because the Academy changes lives, and the young people we meet are a constant reminder of why this work matters.”