David Kitney

David Kitney is the Founder and Managing Director of Emmerson Kitney, a specialist recruitment business supporting SMEs and businesses throughout the region.

Since starting his entrepreneurial journey in 2006, David has built a reputation for scaling and evolving recruitment businesses. After acquiring the company that originally headhunted him, he has grown Emmerson Kitney into a respected brand known for its network, delivery, and consultative approach.

The business specialises in recruitment across key areas including:

Engineering & Operations

Finance & Business Support

Sales & Marketing

David has a strong track record in launching, scaling, and exiting recruitment ventures, with a particular focus on start-ups, scale-ups and joint ventures. Most recently, he founded Smart Workforce Solutions exiting the business in 2025 after completing a successful trade sale to national competitor Nicholas Associates.

Known for his straight-talking approach and strong commercial focus, David is passionate about building businesses, connecting people, and creating opportunities. His experience spans the full lifecycle—from start-up through to scale and exit—giving him a practical and results-driven perspective on growth.

His philosophy is simple: think differently, evolve, and focus on outcomes.