Overview
D&AD is a registered charity whose mission is to stimulate, celebrate and enable excellence in commercial creativity, in the belief that this creates better outcomes for all concerned — commercially, culturally, socially, politically and environmentally; and to campaign for a fairer, more diverse, better gender-balanced industry. The CEO reports to a Board of Trustees and leads a team of around 40 people. The role is based with activities across awards, events and education, serving a global community of creative practitioners from our headquarters in Shoreditch. Closing date: 3 November 2025.
Reporting
The CEO reports to the Board of Trustees and a Chair. They lead a senior management team including a COO and five directors.
Industry Challenges And Primary Responsibilities
The awards industry is highly competitive. D&AD’s reputation as the most prestigious award in the sector is based on the difficulty of winning a Pencil, its British heritage, and the integrity of its jurors and judging process. The CEO is the guardian of the brand’s reputation, mission, values, and behaviour.
Like many industries, the advertising and design sector has undergone changes. AI and digital developments have altered the landscape. The CEO must plot a future course and provide valuable leadership, advice, support, products and services to the global creative community.
A key distinction for D&AD is our commitment to creative training and education for practitioners, and nurturing young talent. These programs should be amplified in the future.
Detailed role definition
The CEO must love and cherish D&AD’s purpose, mission and values, and be able to navigate current confusion to lead the organisation into the future. The CEO will be the main visible face of D&AD (alongside the President, Trustees and senior staff), acting as an industry expert, spokesperson, advisor, influencer and commentator. They should be able to write and speak on important topics and command respect from senior practitioners, clients, partners and stakeholders. The CEO should exemplify and live the organisation’s values and have extensive commercial and managerial experience.
Leadership And Delegation
Lead the team on all key management functions, delegating appropriately and setting clear expectations, goals, targets and performance metrics for the organisation and the senior management team.
Performance
Be responsible for performance against goals and financial outcomes, and for setting a strategic course that future-proofs the organisation as much as possible in the current environment.
Creating Culture
Lead the creation of a dynamic and richly creative culture that attracts talent and optimises performance. Encourage the D&AD community to enjoy the environment and take advantage of stimulating and educational experiences to broaden and develop professionally.
Personal Style
Demonstrate a confident, open, flexible, non-hierarchical and unselfish personal style, promoting the interests of talented colleagues and prioritising the organisation’s success. Experience leading an organisation in or adjacent to the creative industries is desirable.
Time Commitment
D&AD is open to discussion about time; previous incumbents have worked a flexible three-day week, which may suit someone seeking a lifestyle change or re-entry into the industry.
Salary Package And Benefits
On application and by negotiation. D&AD is committed to diversity, equality, equity, inclusion and respect for all. Please email vanessa.knight@dandad.org if you need any reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process.
Compliance
In order to comply with the Prevention of Illegal Working, Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act, you will need to provide appropriate documentation proving eligibility to work in the UK.
Selected applicants
Due to the number of applications, you will not be contacted unless shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard within three weeks of the closing date, assume you have not been successful. Our privacy statement can be viewed on the D&AD careers page.
Qualifications
* Extensive commercial and managerial experience; ability to be a spokesperson and industry expert.
* Ability to write and speak on important industry topics; earn the respect of stakeholders.
* Strong leadership, delegation, and performance management skills.
* Commitment to creativity, fairness, diversity and training/education for practitioners.
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