D&AD appoints creative visionary / entrepreneur Kwame Taylor-Hayford as new D&AD president

D&AD, the globally renowned non-profit which represents the pinnacle of creative excellence, proudly announces the appointment of Kwame Taylor-Hayford as its new President for the 2024/2025 term, succeeding Jack Renwick.

This appointment represents a pivotal moment in the organization’s expanding influence in the United States as Taylor-Hayford is the first D&AD president based in New York.

Elected annually by the D&AD board of trustees, the president leads the organisation in driving its mission forward. Taylor-Hayford, a pioneering entrepreneur and creative leader, has long championed the transformative power of innovative ideas to inspire positive change. His commitment to empowering and mentoring emerging talent aligns with D&AD’s mission to nurture creativity.

Taylor-Hayford brings with him a deep and extensive history with D&AD. As a member of the D&AD Impact Council since 2017, Impact Jury President in 2020 and 2022, and a D&AD Trustee, he has played a key role in shaping the organization’s direction. Additionally, as resident executive creative director for Shift NYC—D&AD’s award-winning free night school for self-made creatives—he has helped cultivate new pathways for diverse and emerging talent. A new offering, Shift Studio, aims to connect creative agencies and brands with talent from the program to generate original ideas that solve real business challenges.

In his role as D&AD president, he will focus on empowering the next generation of creative leaders, with a specific focus on mentorship and advancement of talent in the middle of their careers. His presidency will also spotlight the dual value of purpose-driven work, highlighting how brands can, through innovative thinking, drive positive outcomes for their business and form tight bonds with different communities while moving society forward.

A respected thought leader in the creative industry, Taylor-Hayford co-founded Kin, a company that uses innovative ideas to drive business growth, cultural impact and social change. He also co-founded SATURDAY MORNING, a nonprofit that uses creativity to address racial bias and injustice. His dedication to creativity has earned him numerous accolades, including spots on Adweek’s Creative 100 and AdAge’s 40 Under 40. In 2019, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement.

Says Taylor-Hayford: “Throughout my career, D&AD has exemplified the best creative ideas and craft from talented people around the world. That global perspective, representing different countries and cultures has been a constant inspiration, fueling my curiosity, motivating me to explore, learn and grow. This was especially true during the formative years of my journey, when I was finding my voice and forging a path in the industry. I’m truly honored, very excited and deeply motivated to take on the presidency this year.

For all the creatives around the world, regardless of background, training or circumstance, who are figuring out how to navigate their career, D&AD is here for you. Our archive, learning programs, masterclasses, and, most importantly, generous community of established and emerging talent are here to help you realize your creative ambitions.”

Says Dara Lynch, CEO, D&AD: “We are thrilled to welcome Kwame as our new president, taking the baton from the incredible Jack Renwick. Like Jack, Kwame’s dedication to driving forward D&AD’s representation of creative excellence has been unwavering. From his impactful contributions to our Board of Trustees, to his hands-on mentorship in programmes like Shift and New Blood, he embodies the spirit of our organisation. Kwame champions diverse talent and ignites social change through creativity, reflecting D&AD’s core values at their heart.

“I’d also like to give a big shout out and thank you to Jack for serving as D&AD President for the 2023/2024 term. Her passion and commitment to our design industry and unwavering support for emerging talent has left an indelible mark on D&AD.”

With Taylor-Hayford at the helm, D&AD is set to continue its legacy as the pinnacle of creative excellence, while nurturing the next generation of talent poised to shape the future of the industry.