David Norman’s path began in a small law firm in Western Massachusetts, where he laid the foundation of his tax career. From there, he made his way to Boston, joining KPMG’s state and local tax (SALT) practice. That experience led to a similar role at PwC, and later he took on a broader federal tax consulting position at Grant Thornton. His move to industry came when he was recruited to join Ahold Delhaize, a Dutch-Belgian multinational company and one of the world’s largest food retail groups whose US brands include Food Lion, Giant, Stop & Shop, and Hannaford. At Ahold Delhaize, which he joined in 2006, he expanded his expertise even further. Today, as the company’s tax counsel and senior director of tax planning based in Quincy, Massachusetts, his role spans international tax, audit defense, transfer pricing, tax counsel responsibilities, and government affairs.
Norman’s professional journey began with an undergraduate degree in English from Southern Vermont College, followed by a JD from Northeastern University School of Law. “I took one tax elective in law school, but I had no inkling that I would specialize in tax,” he says. His shift into the field was less of a calling and more of a discovery. “I was working in a small, general practice law firm,” he says. “One of our clients, a financial planner, became a close collaborator and eventually a friend.” That relationship would prove pivotal: the client’s spouse worked in the KPMG SALT practice and encouraged Norman to apply.
He joined KPMG and hasn’t looked back. Over the years, his career has spanned some of the biggest names in tax consulting, including PwC and Grant Thornton. “My career moves have been motivated by a quest for new challenges, quality of life, and better compensation,” he explains. “Every step offered something different.”
That perspective guided his transition from consulting into industry in 2006. At the time, Norman and his wife were raising three small children. “I was ready for a bit more quality of life,” he reflects. A former KPMG colleague he trusted recruited him to Ahold Delhaize, and he was struck by the professionalism and caliber of the leadership team. “I got a very good impression from the head of tax during my interviews, and the company was well-regarded, both in Europe and the US.”
Now, with over thirty years in the field, Norman still finds tax both intellectually and professionally satisfying. “It’s so fluid and dynamic,” he says. “I appreciate the mix of skills—attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and creativity.” What keeps him energized is the ever-changing landscape. “No two years have been the same, which may be my favorite attribute of tax work.”
His involvement with TEI was encouraged by a mentor—the head of tax at Ahold Delhaize—who urged him to co-chair TEI’s IRS Administrative Affairs Committee. When the president of the New England Chapter approached him to consider becoming an officer, he felt honored and accepted the nomination. Now, as chapter president, he’s paying it forward.
He had always found value in TEI events, so stepping into leadership felt like a natural way to give back to an all-volunteer organization that plays such a vital role in education and networking. This year, he’s especially focused on sustaining and increasing chapter membership. “Without members, we don’t have a chapter,” he says. That guiding principle is reflected in everything from curating strong CPE programming to keeping costs accessible and offering meaningful ways for members to connect.
Serving TEI has had a real impact on his professional life. From attending events and engaging in chapter committees to working on task forces and building relationships with sponsors, his network and knowledge base have both grown substantially.
To anyone considering getting more involved in TEI, his advice is simple: jump in. “Do it; I guarantee you will be amazed at how much more you know about tax, how many more great contacts you will make, and how great it feels to give back to such a storied and vital organization and its membership,” he says.
Outside of work and TEI, he enjoys spending time with his wife of twenty-five years, and their three kids, whether they’re vacationing, biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach. He also finds joy in cooking, reading, music, concerts, volunteering, staying politically engaged, and simply kicking back in a hammock with nothing on the agenda.
