D&AD has appointed 26 leading creatives across 10 countries as part of a new global ambassador programme to embed D&AD more deeply within local creative industries, connecting talent with its global network, programmes and standards.

The new programme spans Europe, Asia Pacific, North and South America and the ambassador network includes representatives from Auckland, Berlin, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Madrid, New York, Paris, São Paulo, Sydney and Tokyo.

Among those appointed are Tara McKenty (AKQA APAC), Patrick Guerrera (Rebellion Consulting, Sydney), Nick Worthington (The Tuesday Club, NZ), Döerte Spengler-Ahrens (Jung von Matt, Hamburg), Yasuharu Sasaki (Dentsu, Tokyo), Pancho Casses (David, Madrid), and Shakira Polite, entrepreneur in residence at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business in New York and a former D&AD Shift participant. This is an initial group, with further appointments to be announced over time.

David Patton, CEO at D&AD, stated, “This is an important moment for D&AD. We’ve always believed creativity doesn’t belong to one place, it’s shaped by communities all over the world. This programme allows us to be closer to those communities, supporting talent at every level, raising standards and strengthening the connection between local industries and the global creative network.

Each Ambassador will champion creative excellence and representation within their region, acting as an advocate for D&AD, connecting local communities to its global programmes, and providing insight to help shape the organisation’s future direction.”

Cat How, D&AD Ambassador and Founder, How&How, added, “What I’ve always admired about D&AD is that it champions creativity at every level, from the very best work in the world to the next generation finding their way in the industry. Having mentored with D&AD Shift, I’ve seen that commitment in action. I’m honoured to be part of the Ambassador Programme and looking forward to collaborating, sharing ideas and hopefully inspiring a few along the way.”

The Ambassador Programme builds on D&AD’s long-standing commitment to creative education and access, including initiatives such as Shift, its free night school for creatives from non-traditional backgrounds, and the New Blood Awards.

The ambassadors are:

AUCKLAND

• Nick Worthington: Founder, The Tuesday Club

BERLIN

• Ricardo Wolff: ECD, INNOCEAN Berlin

HAMBURG

• Döerte Spengler-Ahrens: CCO & Partner, Jung Von Matt

HONG KONG

• Natalie Lam: Former CCO, Publicis Groupe APAC
• Kitty Lun: Head of Creative Shop Greater China, Meta

LOS ANGELES

• Paco Conde: CCO, LERMA/
• Ali Brown: President & EP, PRETTYBIRD and Ventureland
• Cat How: Founder, How&How

LONDON

• Tara Ford:  CCO, Droga5 London
• Tim Greenhalgh: Founder & Creative Director, Like a Moth
• Steve Honour: Global Head of Design, Luxury & Single Malts, Diageo
• Seun Areoye: Editor, GAUCHOWORLD
• Nova Dando: Global Creative Director, TikTok

MADRID

• Pancho Casses: Partner & Global Chief Creative Officer, David

NEW YORK

• Gabriel Schmitt: CCO, Grey
• Alison Gragnano: ECD, The New School
• Shakira Polite: Entrepreneur in Residence, Frank G. Zarb School of Business, ex-Shift

PARIS

• Sylvain Thirache: President, Le Club des DA

SÃO PAULO

• Joanna Monteiro: Former CCO, FCB Brasil
• Mateus de Paula Santos: CCO & Founder, Lobo

SYDNEY

• Tara McKenty: CCO, AKQA
• Patrick Guerrera: Founder & Director, Rebellion Consulting
• Melissa Baillache: ECD APAC, Koto

TOKYO

• Yasuharu Sasaki: Global CCO, Dentsu
• Naomi Hirabayashi: Designer
• Jean Lin: Global Chief Brand Officer, Dentsu Group Inc. 

Meet the ambassadors here.