David Markham

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Markham Asia

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Following a year in China with Universal Leaf Tobacco I returned to the UK to set up The Blue Sea Food Company with friends from the MBA course. We built the UK’s largest crab company turning over £15, with 200 staff and exporting across Asia and Europe. Sadly the business went into administration in 2024 after COVID. I now have a consulting business based in Vietnam, helping seafood companies buy, process and sell across the region

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Like many I fell into the industry… I enjoy the travel and building business in Asia.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Business-to-business marketing, finance and operations modules due to the great teaching.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

Meeting other students from a range of countries.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Good reputation and convenient location at the time.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The business we started after the MBA was devised as a project while studying.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Seafood is a difficult and global market but full of great people and opportunities.

What are your plans for the future?

Grow my consultancy here in Vietnam.