David Sackman
About David Sackman
David Sackman is the Executive Chairman and Founder of AppliedVR, where he has worked since 2014, and currently serves as Executive Chairman at Material. He has extensive experience in leadership roles and has secured over $80 million in institutional investments for AppliedVR, contributing to advancements in virtual reality for healthcare.
Work at AppliedVR
David Sackman serves as the Executive Chairman and Founder of AppliedVR, a position he has held since 2014. Under his leadership, the company developed the first FDA-approved virtual reality treatment for chronic pain. Sackman has played a crucial role in securing over $80 million in institutional investments for the company, contributing to its growth and innovation in the healthcare sector. His work at AppliedVR focuses on leveraging virtual reality technology to address significant health challenges.
Current Roles and Affiliations
In addition to his role at AppliedVR, David Sackman is the Executive Chairman at Material, a position he has held since 2022. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors to the Dean of Social Sciences at UCLA since 2017. His involvement with YPO spans 29 years, and he has been a member of the Chief Executives Organization for 19 years. These roles reflect his commitment to leadership and innovation across various sectors.
Background and Experience
David Sackman has extensive experience in leadership roles, having served as Chairman and CEO of Material from 1986 to 2022. During his tenure, he led the company from $5 million to $370 million in revenue, establishing it as a leader in insights-based consulting and integrated marketing. He was also a Board Member at DEX for 25 years and contributed to the Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Southern California for 10 years.
Education and Expertise
David Sackman earned a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from UCLA, where he studied from 1975 to 1980. His educational background has informed his approach to business and innovation, particularly in the development of academic programs at UCLA and USC that promote entrepreneurship. His expertise spans various industries, with a focus on virtual reality and its applications in healthcare.
Achievements and Contributions
David Sackman has delivered a TED Talk on the societal impact of virtual reality and led a workshop at the White House in 2015 discussing its potential benefits. He has presented at an annual conference for CEOs organized by a YPO-graduate organization, showcasing his thought leadership in the intersection of technology and social issues. His contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation are evident in his advisory roles and the programs he has helped develop.