Dave Whitrick

Why the LOTR sword icon?

I have read Lord of the Rings once a year since I was 11 years old, along with the expanded works of Tolkien countless times. The books, along with the first trilogy of films (not the Hobbit) were a borderline obsession as a child. I obviously have other hobbies, interests and joys, but Lord of the Rings is pretty high up the ladder :)

A bit more about Dave

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Taking something technically complex and turning it into a clear plan that actually works. Then getting the right people aligned to deliver it properly.

What challenges do you enjoy solving?

Complex builds, migrations, messy setups. The kind where technical detail matters, but success comes from aligning teams, priorities, and getting everyone pulling in the same direction.

Which project at Engage are you proudest of, and why?

Dusk. Proper end-to-end work across tech, content, and strategy. Clear direction, well executed, and you can see the impact without having to over explain it.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Engage?

Everyone’s pulling in the same direction. Being employee owned genuinely helps. People care, want to do well, and it shows in how we work together day to day.

What sets Engage apart from other agencies?

Clarity. On performance, on direction, on how the business is doing. Add in the employee ownership model, decent perks, and good people, it’s just a solid place to be.

Which Summer Conference has been your favourite, and why?

Hard to beat Ibiza. Swimming all day, beers in the sun, nowhere to be. Venice was up there too purely for the pirate ship, which still feels ridiculous saying out loud.

What drew you to a career in digital?

It sits right between analytical and creative thinking. You can dig into data, but still create something. That odd blend just suits how my brain works.