News
Former Chairman of Publicis UK and former President of TBWA UK & Ireland Tim Lindsay has been appointed the new CEO of D&AD. He will take over from Tim O’Kennedy in August 2011, working together with Tim for a transitionary period before the formal handover at the annual D&AD President’s Dinner on the 21st September.
Tim O’Kennedy is departing D&AD after just over two years, having led the charity through a period of rapid change, streamlining the organisation with the implementation of new processes and overseeing a dramatic rise in submissions and membership since 2009. Tim has championed D&AD’s not for profit status as the leading provider of professional development for the creative industries, increasing its international profile and sending British creative talent to share their skills in over 20 countries worldwide. He is leaving to support his partner and young children as they make a big lifestyle move from the Netherlands to Tim’s native Ireland.
Tim Lindsay’s appointment was ratified by a unanimous vote of the D&AD executive on the 15th June. He will lead the organisation during a crucial period in its history as it approaches the celebration of its 50th Anniversary in 2012 and launches the new White Pencil Award, aimed at rewarding creative work that changes the world for the better.
D&AD Chairman Dick Powell said: ‘We feel extremely fortunate to have secured Tim Lindsay to take on the CEO role! He is a perfect fit with D&AD and, more important, with what we want to do in the future.’
Tim O’Kennedy said: ‘Some years back, I made a deal with my other half: if the right career opportunity presented itself to her, I would take a back seat, look after the kids, and let her get on with it. That day has come: I’m proud of and happy for her, of course, but I do feel great regret about leaving D&AD at what seems like the beginning of a golden period for us. I think Tim’s exactly the right guy to continue the drive to better places. I also hope to be able to stay involved in some way, as my time at D&AD has completely underscored my belief in what we do around here’.
Tim Lindsay said: ‘I feel extremely fortunate to be chosen by D&AD as its next CEO, particularly as Tim O'Kennedy and his team have done so much great work over the last couple of years. It's a dream job, in a wonderful organisation.'
