Gavin was educated at
Magdalene College at
Cambridge University, where he had an exhibition in economics. After graduation, and a stint as a film script writer, he took a copywriting role at Sharps advertising agency where he would eventually become an equity partner before it was sold to
Saatchi & Saatchi. While working at Sharps he established close links with
Dixons Stores Group, and would eventually become deputy managing director of the electronics retailer. In 1994, he joined
British Telecom to work on its internet and multimedia strategy; he became managing director of the firm's consumer division. In 1998, he became chief executive of
BBC Worldwide. He was CEO of
Odeon Cinemas and
UCI Cinemas Group from 2006 to 2014 Gavin has also served as Board member and shareholder of
Ambassador Theatre Group, Chairman of
DNeg plc, Chairman of
Contender Entertainment Group, Chairman of Screenstage, NED and audit Chair of
Wyevale Garden Centres, NED of Countrywide plc and
Virgin Mobile plc, Governor of the
National Film and Television School and Treasurer of the
Contemporary Art Society. ==Recent theatre productions, co-productions and financings==