Dave Lake

Dave is a seasoned HR and labour relations specialist with over two decades of experience supporting organisations across a wide range of industries, including engineering, food and beverage, manufacturing, retail, services, and printing and packaging. He holds a BA from the University of Cape Town, a Postgraduate Diploma in Employment Law, and completed the Industrial Relations Development Programme at Stellenbosch.

As a co-founder of Human Alliance in 2001, Dave played a key role in shaping the firm’s consulting offering until stepping down from a Director role in 2023 when the business was acquired and became part of the Growthcurve Group.

His earlier career included roles in training (Free Market Foundation), heavy industry (Murray & Roberts Engineering), and electronics (Plessey), providing him with strong practical insight into operational and strategic HR challenges.

Dave is known for his ability to distil complex issues into clear, workable solutions. He forges strong, trust-based relationships with clients – whether in the boardroom or with small business owners – and his fluency in Xhosa enhances his ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels.

His core expertise includes labour relations, employment law, arbitration, change management, employee engagement, policy development, and leadership support.