David Couch: A Visionary Leader Driving Growth in Global Media and Podcasting

In the fast-moving world of media, podcasting, and branded content, few professionals have built a career as dynamic and impactful as David Couch. With more than 18 years of senior management experience across international media brands, Couch has played a pivotal role in driving growth, creating global partnerships, and leading commercial teams through change. Currently serving as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Auddy, he continues to shape the evolution of podcast licensing, advertising, and sponsorship at an international scale.

This article explores the career journey of David Couch, his leadership style, and the milestones he achieved in organizations like Auddy, Deezer, SoundCloud, Bounty UK Ltd, and F Sharp, while also reflecting on his educational foundation and passion for innovation.

Early Career Foundations

David Couch’s professional trajectory began in traditional media environments, where he quickly demonstrated his strengths in commercial strategy, sales leadership, and creative partnerships. His early experiences laid the groundwork for his expertise in driving revenue, building strong client relationships, and integrating technology into content solutions. These formative years set the stage for a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and vision.

Education and Leadership Development

The Leadership Trust

Couch pursued leadership education at The Leadership Trust in 2005, completing a focused program in Leadership in Management. This experience emphasized emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and strategic decision-making, shaping his ability to lead complex international teams.

Maguire Training

In addition, he completed an intensive Management & Leadership course with Maguire Training in 2003–2004, while serving in senior roles at Capital Radio Group. This year-long program sharpened his skills in management fundamentals, change leadership, and organizational performance improvement.

Together, these programs equipped David Couch with the theoretical and practical leadership tools that complemented his hands-on experience across media industries.

Auddy: Redefining Podcast Advertising and Licensing

Expanding Global Reach

In October 2021, Couch took on the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Auddy, a London-based podcasting company. His mission was clear: to expand the company’s podcast licensing, advertising, and sponsorship business globally. Under his leadership, Auddy acquired and integrated a podcast sales house in Austria, extending its footprint into the DACH region.

Strategic Growth and Innovation

At Auddy, Couch has overseen the growth of ad solutions that connect audiences with targeted communities. From host-read ads to programmatic audio solutions, his strategies provide advertisers with impactful opportunities while ensuring creators can monetize effectively. His passion for commercial strategy, B2B marketing, and team development continues to position Auddy as a rising force in the podcast industry.

Deezer: Driving International Partnerships

Before joining Auddy, Couch spent over three years at Deezer (2018–2021) as Head of Advertising & Brand Partnerships across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Multi-Country Brand Collaborations

During this period, he managed multi-country partnerships with world-renowned brands, including:

• Toyota Europe (19-country campaign)

• Mastercard (7-country partnership)

• Mango, Firestone, and Coca-Cola (large international collaborations)

Leadership and Global Footprint

At Deezer, he built and managed international sales teams, resellers, and content partnerships, ensuring the streaming platform maintained a strong revenue stream across diverse markets. His ability to balance budgeting, HR operations, training, and commercial strategy established Deezer’s advertising operations as a global success story.

SoundCloud: Launching UK Sales Operations

From 2016 to 2017, Couch served as UK Commercial Director at SoundCloud, where he became the company’s first sales hire outside the United States.

Building from the Ground Up

In this role, he launched UK operations, created a commercial strategy, and recruited a new sales team. His efforts transformed SoundCloud’s UK presence from zero partnerships to a multi-million-dollar revenue stream in less than two years.

Expanding Into Europe and Asia

Couch also supported the company’s expansion into European and Asian markets, proving his ability to establish new business streams in complex international environments. His contributions helped SoundCloud shift from a niche platform into a recognized commercial player in the global audio ecosystem.

Bounty UK Ltd: Leading Sales Transformation

Between 2014 and 2016, Couch worked as Head of Sales at Bounty UK Ltd, a heritage brand in pregnancy, parenthood, and family products.

Change Management Success

At Bounty, he was tasked with rebuilding a 22-person sales team that had struggled with four consecutive quarters of declining revenue. Within two years, Couch reversed this trend, delivering four consecutive quarters of growth.

Digital and E-Commerce Expansion

He also played a central role in launching Bounty’s e-commerce platform and modernizing its digital presence, ensuring the brand’s relevance in an increasingly digital marketplace. This success highlighted his ability to turn around declining businesses through innovation and disciplined strategy.

F Sharp: Entering the Startup World

Couch joined F Sharp (F#) in 2012 as Head of EMEA. This was his first step into the startup environment, and though the company eventually folded, it provided him with invaluable lessons about rapid scaling and the volatility of new ventures.

Growth and Client Wins

As the first UK employee, Couch was responsible for building the team and driving rapid growth across Europe. He personally secured high-profile clients such as HTC, Phillips, Reebok, Adidas, Gap, Ford, Danone, McDonald’s, Disney, and Microsoft, with campaigns featured on Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Although F Sharp ultimately failed, Couch describes the experience as a “great big learning opportunity” that equipped him with skills and insights for future startup ventures. His resilience and openness to learning underscore his leadership philosophy.

Other Career Highlights

Maple Street Creative (2010–2012)

As Head of Creative, Couch transformed a small, loss-making production company into a profitable creative agency. By diversifying services and winning Spotify as its largest repeat client, he achieved 76% revenue growth in year one and an 18% increase in year two.

GCap Media (1999–2007)

At GCap Media (later Global Radio), Couch held roles ranging from Sales Manager – Creative Services to National Sales Director – Creative & Content Services. He managed large creative teams, introduced new mobile and video advertising streams, and oversaw 76 employees across 22 sites, while managing P&Ls of multiple business units.

Career Break (2007–2009)

Couch also took a two-year career break with his wife to travel through Africa, Asia, and Latin America, engaging in charity and community projects. This period reflects his passion for global cultures and social impact.

Leadership Style and Philosophy

Strategic and People-Focused

Across his career, David Couch has demonstrated the ability to drive both revenue and organizational change. Whether revitalizing declining businesses, expanding into new markets, or integrating acquisitions, his leadership emphasizes:

• Revenue and Profit Growth

• Team Development and Training

• Innovation through Technology

• International Business Expansion

Passion for Learning

Couch describes himself as “always curious,” eager to adapt to an ever-changing media landscape. His openness to experimentation, coupled with a strong commercial foundation, has allowed him to consistently innovate in dynamic industries.

Also Read> Joseph ONeill – A Fierce and Compassionate Leader Driving Change in the Automotive and Community Sectors

Conclusion

The career of David Couch is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership in the global media sector. From turning around declining heritage brands to launching international sales operations for disruptive startups, he has consistently proven his ability to build value and inspire teams.

Today, as Chief Revenue Officer at Auddy, Couch continues to shape the podcasting industry, expanding global partnerships and introducing new opportunities for creators and advertisers alike. With a career spanning Deezer, SoundCloud, Bounty UK Ltd, F Sharp, Maple Street Creative, and GCap Media, his journey underscores the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and strategic vision.

In an age when the media landscape is transforming at lightning speed, David Couch remains a leader to watch—one who bridges traditional media expertise with the opportunities of digital innovation.