Rowe-Beddoe's early education was at The Cathedral School, Llandaff, Cardiff, where he won the Victor Ludorum in 1951.

Rowe-Beddoe's career in business began at Thomas De La Rue in 1961; and he rose to the position of Chief Executive from 1971 through 1976.

[8] He was invested as a Knight Bachelor in the 2000 Birthday Honours "for services to Industrial and Economic Development in Wales.

"[9][10] In 2001, Sir David Rowe-Beddoe was appointed the Chairman of the Wales Millennium Centre; and he remained in this post.

[11] In 2004, Sir David Rowe-Beddoe was appointed president of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama having previously been a governor and chairman of the board.