David is an investigative journalist and consultant. In his over a 45-year career, he has advised development agencies, donors, nonprofits, and major media. Kaplan served from 2012 to 2023 as the founding executive director of the Global Investigative Journalism Network, with 244 member organizations in 90 countries. He has reported from 25 countries and won or shared more than 25 awards. He is a four-time winner of the coveted Investigative Reporters and Editors Award, including three medals, IRE’s highest honor. His work has also been honored four times by the Overseas Press Club.

From 2008 to 2011, Kaplan served as director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. At ICIJ he oversaw acclaimed investigations into the tobacco, asbestos, fishing, and energy industries, pioneering collaborative and cross-border reporting. Previously, Kaplan worked as chief investigative correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, at the time a two-million circulation newsweekly. Kaplan’s stories at U.S. News attracted worldwide attention and included exposés of racketeering by North Korean diplomats, Saudi funding of terrorism, and the looting of Russia.

Kaplan’s books include YAKUZA, published in 12 languages and widely considered the standard reference on the Japanese mafia. He is also the co-editor of the Reporter’s Guide to Investigating Organized Crime.