On-Purpose

Douglas French

Douglas French is an executive coach with extensive commercial and business experience.

Prior to becoming a coach he worked in the City for more than 30 years. He was a partner at Clifford Chance , the international law firm, for 25 years, and during his time with the firm he held a number of leadership and management positions, including head of the firm’s global tax practice, member of the firm’s management committee and chairman of the firm’s partner selection group. In addition to client facing work he was also heavily involved in recruitment , training and development, and he continues to act as consultant to the firm in relation to senior lawyer development and new partner selection.

He has trained as an executive coach with Meyler Campbell and Ashridge Business School , and worked with a diverse range of clients. His commercial background enables him quickly to understand the challenges his clients face , and his empathetic and insightful approach supports them in realizing their potential and achieving their career goals. He particularly enjoys working with high- achieving professionals at transition points in their careers.

His pro bono activities include acting as a trustee of Bethnal Green Legal Advice Centre and as Chairman of the Tree Council .

Married with three children, his interests include tennis, jazz piano , golf and Arsenal FC ( he is a season ticket holder and has qualified as an FA coach).

He is a Solicitor, Chartered Tax Adviser and holds an MA in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford.