Futuresource appoints industry leader David Watkins to drive new phase of CE growth

Futuresource Consulting has appointed David Watkins as its new Director of Consumer Electronics & Media, reinforcing the company’s commitment to intensifying its global influence across entertainment, devices and connected ecosystems.

David joins Futuresource with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience, including nearly a decade as Practice Lead for the Media & Intelligent Home Group at Strategy Analytics, where he grew and refined one of the industry’s most respected CE insight practices. Most recently, he served as VP of Consumer Electronics at TechInsights, overseeing global research programmes and shaping client strategy at scale.

No stranger to Futuresource, David worked on the team until he relocated to France in 2011. His return comes at a pivotal moment for the CE and media sectors, as vendors transition towards recurring revenue models, AI reshapes user expectations, and hardware, software and services converge.

A leadership role underpinned by growth and evolution
In his new role, David will oversee Futuresource’s syndicated CE and entertainment research portfolio, including streaming, smart devices, wearables and the connected home, while working closely with adjacent practices across Pro AV, AI, connectivity and chip architecture.

“My priority is ensuring our CE and entertainment research stays ahead of the market,” says David. “Clients are continually asking more sophisticated questions, and they want insight that links consumer behaviour, form factor evolution, ecosystem shifts and technology disruption into a coherent narrative. I’m focused on refining our services even further, strengthening the value we already deliver, and building the next phase of our thought leadership for 2026 and beyond.”

David’s leadership philosophy emphasises curiosity, collaboration and transparency, encouraging teams to challenge assumptions, connect sector insights and translate complex shifts into clear strategic direction. And he sees the CE landscape now entering its most transformative phase in years.

“Consumers don’t think in product categories anymore,” he says. “They think in experiences. With AI personalisation, immersive audio and advanced visual formats moving into the mainstream, expectations are rising sharply. People now want technology that adapts, anticipates and genuinely enhances their daily lives. That mindset is reshaping every part of the CE value chain.”

Strengthening the strategic trajectory
Futuresource MD, Chris McIntyre-Brown, reflects on David’s return, not as a homecoming, but as a launchpad for fresh growth.

“David brings a rare combination of sector depth, strategic instinct and a proven track record in growing CE research practices. His return is less about looking back, and more about accelerating the next phase of our business. He enhances our capabilities even further, allowing us to anticipate critical shifts in the market, and he strengthens the value we deliver to clients across the ecosystem.”

With David at the helm of the CE & Media division, Futuresource is reinforcing its commitment to global brands and disruptors alike, as they navigate the most significant transformation cycle the consumer electronics industry has seen in over a decade.

 About Futuresource Consulting 

Futuresource Consulting is a leading research and consulting firm, providing in-depth analysis and strategic insights across technology, media and consumer electronics.  

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com