Few leaders in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship more profoundly exemplify the combination of vision, empathy, and resilience than Donavan Hutchinson, the founder and CEO of D&A Services International Ltd. Hutchinson has forged a distinctive career path, moving from an experienced executive to a trailblazing entrepreneur committed to transforming workplaces through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), after more than 20 years in the technology and sales sectors. From a young child adjusting to cultural changes in a foreign nation to starting a ground-breaking DEI consultancy, his story is one of perseverance, flexibility, and a strong desire to uplift others. This article examines Donavan Hutchinson‘s business career, D&A Services International Ltd.’s goals, and his enduring influence on the industry.
Early Life: The Basis for Resilience
The story of Donavan Hutchinson starts in South Africa, where he was raised in a society with a thriving culture and many intricate problems. Due to his father’s British citizenship, his family moved to the UK when he was seven years old. This change was not at all simple. Young Donavan had the difficult task of adjusting to a new culture, educational system, and social environment after leaving behind his childhood friends and extended family. He remembers, “It was difficult to leave behind my childhood friends and extended family, but my parents’ love and support kept me and my brothers focused on moving forward.”
Hutchinson’s character was shaped by this early experience of accepting diversity and adjusting to change. He learned the importance of resiliency, family support, and determination after arriving in the UK with little. These attributes, which gave him a distinct viewpoint on the value of inclusivity and understanding in any community—whether personal or professional—became the cornerstone of his future success. According to him, these early difficulties “shaped his character and laid the groundwork for the person he would become.”
Developing a Sales and Technology Career
After completing his studies at Rother Valley College from 2000 to 2002, Hutchinson started his career. From working as a lifeguard and in the UK Armed Forces (Blues and Royals) to entering the fast-paced fields of technology and sales, his early career encompassed a variety of roles. He developed a strong skill set that established him as a leader in the tech sector over almost 20 years by honing his abilities in asset management, software sales, enterprise software, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
His rise was characterized by important turning points. From 2003 to 2012, Hutchinson served as an Enterprise Client Director at Insight Direct UK Ltd., where he gained a deep comprehension of strategic growth and client needs. His time as International Alliance Director at CDW, from 2012 to 2015, was especially influential. Here, he was instrumental in creating a business partnership that allowed CDW to acquire Kelway in 2015, demonstrating his capacity to promote global cooperation and expansion. “Donavan would be a tremendous asset to any company looking for a high-performing, energetic, and highly knowledgeable international or sales director,” a colleague said.
At PCM Technology Solutions UK, where he served as Managing Director UK & International, Hutchinson’s leadership was evident as he rose sales from the ground up to $62 million in his first year, rising to over $95 million in his second. Later, starting in January 2021, he continued to drive operations and growth from the Milton Keynes office as Managing Director of SHI Corporation UK Ltd at SHI International, using his global enterprise experience to support clients in the UK and abroad. These accomplishments strengthened his standing as a dynamic leader who can assemble teams and produce outcomes under duress.
A Leadership Method Driven by Mentoring
Hutchinson attributes his success throughout his career to relationships and mentoring. His former sales manager and later operations director, Julie Marsland, was one significant person who “inspired me to be myself and guided me in my career.” Her focus on genuineness and a nurturing environment struck a deep chord, influencing Hutchinson’s approach to leadership. Shelly Hennessey and David Abbott, longtime friends and colleagues in the industry, also provided constant support and acted as sounding boards.
Hutchinson’s family, which included his daughters, their mother Sarah, and his husband Alex, offered a foundation of support and stability on a personal level. “We have a modern family, and I know that I have the most incredible support through any challenges,” he says. His conviction that leadership is about fostering an environment where others can flourish rather than focusing on personal success was strengthened by this combination of professional mentoring and personal support.
Establishing D&A Services International Ltd.: A Change-Oriented Vision
Hutchinson took a well-earned vacation after departing Trustmarque at the end of March 2024 before focusing his energies on a daring new project: D&A Services International Ltd. This consultancy, which was started with his husband Alex, filled a significant void in the tech sector and became the first fully outsourced DEI service in the channel. Only 29% of tech workers were women or non-binary in early 2024, and advancement in senior roles trailed at 21%, indicating a stagnation in diversity and representation in the industry. Hutchinson saw a chance to bring about significant change.
The founding principle of D&A Services International Ltd. was to make inclusivity “an imperative, not a tick-box exercise.” “A strong DEI strategy should be integral to every organization’s DNA,” was Hutchinson’s unambiguous vision. Offering customized assessments and strategies to businesses of all sizes, the consultancy focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in addition to employee health and well-being. As a Pride Life Global Advocate and registered OutBritain member, D&A wants to work with minority and underrepresented group-owned businesses to increase their influence.
The organization set lofty objectives in its first year to involve, inform, and increase awareness of the significance of DEI. With strategic announcements imminent, Hutchinson has already established alliances with major distributors and suppliers. His strategy combines cultural change with profitability, demonstrating that DEI is not only a business advantage but also a moral requirement. “Donavan is more than just a results-oriented leader. According to Global Publicist 24 Magazine, which named him one of The Most Visionary Business Leaders to Watch in 2024, “He’s a cultivator of culture, a visionary who sees beyond immediate growth to the long-term health of the people and organizations he serves.”
A Philosophy of Leadership Based on Empathy
A welcome change from conventional top-down models is Hutchinson’s leadership style. “The most effective leaders understand that their role is not to force growth but to create the right environment where every seed can flourish,” he says, drawing a comparison between gardening and effective leadership. His emphasis on empathy and inclusivity is reflected in this philosophy, which calls for nurturing, pruning, and letting each person blossom in their own time. Even though “some need more sunlight while others thrive in the shade,” he acknowledges that everyone adds to the overall vibrancy.
His personal life is treated with the same empathy. A family-focused leader, Hutchinson juggles his business goals with his responsibilities as a husband and father to two daughters. His desire to create a facility for the Horse Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is indicative of his dedication to having a constructive influence on the community. In addition, his fundraising activities for charities in the UK highlight his commitment to giving back to the community. He also uses his experience to support governance and education as a member of Barnsley College’s Audit and Risk Committee.
Overcoming Obstacles with Hope
There have been challenges along the way for Hutchinson. He has tackled obstacles head-on, from managing a pandemic while starting a global division for a US company in 2020 to tackling the lack of diversity in the tech sector. He has remained grounded, though, thanks to his humor and optimism, comparing his life to “a blend of Charlie Chaplin and Mr. Bean moments.” He smiles and says, “You can accomplish and overcome any challenge, however big or small, with a smile, a few laughs, great friends, and a loving family.”
An Impactful Legacy
Donavan Hutchinson is still in charge of D&A Services International Ltd. as of June 3, 2025, with the goal of revolutionizing workplaces everywhere. His status as a CRN Diversity A List member, CRN UK Channel A List honoree, and PrideLife Global Advocate emphasizes his dedication to equality, while his recognition by Global Publicist 24 Magazine as a visionary leader highlights his impact.
The tale of Hutchinson is one of overcoming hardship, demonstrating compassion and vision in leadership, and creating an inspirational legacy. According to him, “success is not just about accomplishments but also about the impact we have on those around us.” He is establishing a world where everyone can prosper through D&A Services International Ltd., demonstrating that genuine entrepreneurship is about fostering innovation and uplifting others. Donavan Hutchinson continues to be a role model for prospective business owners worldwide as he cultivates connections, promotes inclusivity, and advocates for change.
