Co-founder of the Kin agency, Kwame Taylor-Hayford will preside over the British festival in 2024/2025
D&AD has just announced the festival’s new president, Kwame Taylor-Hayford, who will lead the organization in the 2024/2025 biennium, succeeding Jack Renwick. According to the statement, the nomination represents a pivotal moment for the awards, which expands its influence to the United States, as Kwame is the first president of D&AD based in New York.
Kwame is a pioneering entrepreneur and creative leader, co-founder of creative agency Kin, “designed to bring social advancement through culture” to brands like Delta Air Lines, Mailchimp, Chobani and Ben & Jerry’s. Awarded for his transformative power and innovative ideas that inspire positive change, his commitment to empowering and mentoring emerging talent aligns with D&AD’s mission to drive creativity.
Elected by the D&AD Board of Trustes, the new president will lead the non-profit organization towards its mission of maintaining creative excellence in the global industry – in addition to the respected D&AD Awards, it has educational programs aimed at young creatives in various parts of the world, called Shift.
Kin’s co-founder has a deep and extensive history with D&AD. As a member of the D&AD Impact Council since 2017, president of the Impact jury in 2020 and 2022 and D&AD Trustee, he has played an essential role in recent years in guiding the organization. Additionally, as executive-in-residence chief creative officer at Shift NYC, Kwame has helped pioneer new paths for diverse and emerging talent.
As president of D&AD, his focus will be on empowering the next generation of creative leaders, with attention to mentoring and nurturing talent. Kwame has been honored in Adweek’s Creative 100 and AdAge’s 40 Under 40.
“Throughout my career, D&AD has showcased the best creative ideas and talent from around the world. This global perspective, representing different countries and cultures, has been a constant inspiration, fueling my curiosity and motivating me to explore, learn and grow. This was mostly during the formative years of my journey when I was finding my voice and forging my path in the industry. I am sincerely very honored, excited and deeply motivated to assume the presidency (of D&AD) this year”, said Kwame Taylor-Hayford.
