He is executive chairman of the theatre production company Incidental Colman, which has produced/co-produced in the West End and on Broadway and won seventeen Olivier Awards.

[6] While working at Sharps he established close links with Dixons Stores Group,[7] and would eventually become deputy managing director of the electronics retailer.

[7][8] In 1994, he joined British Telecom to work on its internet and multimedia strategy; he became managing director of the firm's consumer division.

He was CEO of Odeon Cinemas and UCI Cinemas Group from 2006 to 2014[9][10] Gavin has also served as Board member and shareholder of Ambassador Theatre Group, Chairman of DNeg plc, Chairman of Contender Entertainment Group,[11] 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.

He is of direct descent from James Gavin (b 1658), the Kirk Beadle of Lunan, Angus, and the family motto is By industry we prosper.