Jun 02 2010

Dick Powell appointed as D&AD Chairman

Dick Powell, co-founder and director of Seymourpowell, has been appointed D&AD Chairman. Powell succeeds Anthony Simonds-Gooding CBE, who is stepping down from the role following 17 years in the position.

Powell is a past President of D&AD and recipient of the D&AD President’s Award for his outstanding contribution to creativity. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes alongside business partner Richard Seymour, and, along with the D&AD Executive, has sat on the boards of the Design Council and the Design Business Association. Dick was global design advisor to Samsung Electronics and is currently a member of the International Advisory Panel for Design in Singapore. He also holds the role of group creative director at Loewy.

“Anyone who’s ever met the man will tell you that Anthony Simonds-Gooding is a one-off, and we’ve been extremely lucky to have him for all these years,’ said D&AD Chief Executive Tim O’Kennedy. “He steered D&AD toward success and through significant challenges over the years, and was a source of both excellent advice and much hilarity throughout. No doubt about it, he’ll be missed”.

“But if there’s anyone who could plausibly step into Anthony’s shoes, it’s Dick Powell,” he continues. “Dick has a rare combination of world-renowned creative credentials and great business acumen, and that will be of great benefit to D&AD. He’s as smart as hell, I’ll certainly benefit from his mentorship - as will we all. I look forward to working with Dick and the Executive Committee to ensure D&AD’s core principles remain vital and relevant as we approach our 50^th Anniversary.”

“No doubt about it - Anthony will be a hard act to follow! I had the privilege of working closely with him during my 5 years on the Executive Committee, two of which he mentored me as President and I learnt a great deal,’ says Dick Powell. “Anthony leaves D&AD in good shape despite the downturn. It has a great team of people hugely motivated by everything D&AD stands for.

He continues, “Like them, I’ve always been passionate about D&AD’s mission for creative excellence, and its education remit helping young (and not so young) people in the creative industries.  My role as Chairman is, I think, to ensure good governance, to embed a long term strategic vision, and to mentor and advise the Management team and the Exec along the road to its delivery.”