David Godfrey is a senior UK business leader and former Chief Executive of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the United Kingdom’s export credit agency. He served as a Board member of UKEF from 2005 to 2015 and as its Chief Executive from 2013 to 2015, helping to expand and develop the organisation’s support for UK exporters.
During his time at UKEF, David contributed to the development of a broader range of export finance solutions and greater access to finance for UK businesses, including SMEs. His experience encompasses export finance, tailored financial products, working capital support, investment guarantees and collaboration between export credit agencies and commercial banks.
David was Chairman of Nomura International plc from 2015 to 2024, following a distinguished career in financial services and risk management. He has also held senior positions across the financial sector, with extensive experience in financial regulation and international finance.
David was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the export community.
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DownloadGlobal trade is becoming more complex. Countries are stepping up protection of domestic producers, new requirements, standards, and trade restrictions are emerging, and access to major markets increasingly depends on more than a product's price and quality.
For Ukrainian businesses, this means finding new operating models - not only exporting, but also building partnerships, investing, establishing a local presence, and becoming part of international production chains.
How can Ukrainian companies maintain their positions in traditional markets, enter new ones, and turn shifts in global trade into opportunities for growth? We will discuss this at KIEF 2026 during the panel discussion "Global Markets: Closed Doors or New Opportunities?".