October 1, 2026
Exponent welcomes David Walters to our UK team, where he adds defense sector expertise to our Computer, Data & Security Sciences practice
We are pleased to announce David Walters, M.A., M.Sc., has joined Exponent's London office as a principal in our Computer, Data & Security Sciences practice. Mr. Walters brings more than 30 years of government and defense leadership experience, spanning defense technology delivery, systems engineering, organizational transformation, and commercial operations. He has advised major public sector and defense clients, including the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and NATO, helping them address complex technical and organizational challenges in high-consequence environments, where decisions often carry significant operational, financial, and national security implications
Throughout his career, Mr. Walters has worked at the intersection of strategy, technology, operations, commercial management, and procurement, helping organizations translate complex requirements into practical solutions and measurable outcomes. He has extensive experience advising senior leaders on the adoption and implementation of frontier technologies, major transformation initiatives and business-critical investments, ensuring that innovation is aligned with operational needs, commercial objectives, and delivery realities.
Before joining Exponent, Mr. Walters held senior leadership positions at major international consulting firms, where he led defense, security, and public sector consulting teams and practices. He has consulted on major defense reform initiatives, both in the UK and internationally, supported multibillion-pound technology and capability delivery, led cost-based and operating model transformation programs, and helped government clients strengthen procurement, commercial management, and organizational performance.
"Having worked with Exponent before, I was struck by the quality of its people and their ability to solve complex problems. Now, I'm excited to join the team at such a pivotal time for technology and innovation."
David Walters, M.A., M.Sc.,
Principal
Computer, Data & Security Sciences
Before his consulting career, Mr. Walters served for 16 years as a combat engineer officer in the UK Armed Forces. During the latter part of his military service, he coordinated the staff integration effort for the £4.2 billion BOWMAN tactical communications program, supporting the deployment of critical communications capabilities across the armed forces.
Mr. Walters' leadership and delivery excellence have been recognized by the Management Consultancy Association (MCA), including the prestigious MCA Platinum Award for direct support to UK operational forces in Afghanistan, as well as awards for Commercial Excellence, Innovation, and Change Management. He also received the Chief of Defence Materiel Commendation from the UK Ministry of Defence.
Mr. Walters earned an M.A. in Defence Studies from King's College London, an M.Sc. in Design of Information Systems from Cranfield University, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Ergonomics from Loughborough University. He completed the Joint Services Staff College (Joint) course, has previously been a qualified Managing Successful Programs (MSP) and a PRINCE2 Practitioner, and he has successfully passed the UK Government's Senior Commercial Specialist Assessment Centre.
Our team looks forward to benefiting from the depth of leadership experience, defense sector insight, and systems engineering expertise that Mr. Walters brings to our clients and colleagues across the globe.
About Exponent's Computer, Data & Security Sciences Practice
Exponent's Computer, Data & Security Sciences practice helps organizations safely adopt enterprise AI, mission-critical software, and zero-trust cybersecurity amid evolving regulations and operational risks. Our multidisciplinary staff combine expertise in computer science, data science, and cybersecurity with industry experience in manufacturing, transportation, energy, defense, and robotics to strengthen data pipelines, validate AI models, assess algorithmic bias, and secure complex software architectures.
From automated vehicles to industrial robotics, Exponent supports safety-critical technologies throughout their development and deployment. When software failures, unreliable AI, or cyber breaches cause real-world consequences, the firm conducts forensic investigations that connect digital architectures with the physical systems and the commercial ecosystems they support — identifying root causes, mitigating vulnerabilities, recalibrating performance, and securely restoring operations.
