Staff Stories: David Smith
12 SEPTEMBER 2025
Staff Stories: David Smith
David Smith- Eastern Hemisphere Commercial Manager
David graduated from university and jumped straight into working life, starting his career within the Energy sector from a young age. Working his way up across several businesses and sectors, starting his journey as an Engineer, to an Account Manager, Sales Executive, and now into his current role at Motive Offshore Group (Motive) as Eastern Hemisphere Commercial Manager. David has worked and travelled all over the world, including Scotland, Germany, Houston, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
David started at Motive as Sales Executive, progressing to Eastern Hemisphere Commercial Manager and looks forward to utilising his experience to help the team continue to grow and expand.
Here is David's staff story:
What are your key duties/responsibilities at Motive?
I review countries and clients, looking at new clients that we would love to be involved with, we are always looking to explore new opportunities where Motive can grow and expand across the globe.
I love meeting new people, building relationships with both people and companies, and always flying the flag for Motive.
What are your goals for your future at Motive?
The big goal for me is to work with Motive in utilising our equipment and to continue to work with some of the best companies in the world.
What attracted you to / why did you choose to come work at Motive?
I knew a couple of friends who worked at Motive and always heard good things about everything Motive entails, from the equipment, to the services, and the people.
What has been the biggest challenge in your role to date?
The biggest challenges are the jobs with a quick turnaround. But what I love the most is how everyone here at Motive will drop tools, all hands on deck, to get the job done and completed. It’s always a team effort from Motive.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
One year, setting an end-of-year challenge to cycle around Qatar. Completing it in 26 hours, taking breaks of course! It was worth all the pain and training. What a way to end a year!
I am also very proud to also announce I have recently an MBA in Energy, Sustainability, and Transition at Robert Gordon's University.
What's one thing you appreciate most about your colleagues?
Their willingness to help, no matter what the time of day is.
What's one 'insider tip' about Motive that you'd share with a new colleague?
Be enthusiastic, and get involved. Motive are huge on looking after our people, and team building is a big part, so get involved and have fun.
If you could leave one lasting positive impact on our company, what would it be?
My lasting legacy would be to contribute to the growth of the Asia Pacific region, taking that area for the business to the next level would be a big achievement.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be and why?
Winston Churchill, Tiger Woods, and Roy Keane. What a great scramble team that would be on the golf course!
Is there anything else you would like to include?
Love the team, love being part of Team Motive, it's as simple as that. Plus, turquoise is my favourite colour! Love it.
David Smith - Eastern Hemisphere Commercial Manager
We’re thrilled to welcome David Smith back to the team! He joins the Eastern Hemisphere at a pivotal moment, as we expand into APAC with our new Singapore facility and experience rapid growth in the Middle East.
David has a talent for identifying emerging opportunities and clearly articulating Motive’s value to clients. More importantly, he helps them understand what truly sets Motive apart—our people.
With the recent completion of his MBA, David brings fresh strategic insight and expertise to the Eastern Hemisphere sales team. His client-focused, committed, and enthusiastic approach makes him the ideal person to introduce Motive and our values to the industry.
Graeme Chalmers, Eastern Hemisphere Regional Director @ Motive Offshore Group