David Kester

Chief Executive

David Kester

David was appointed Chief Executive of the Design Council in May 2003. He has refocused the organisation as the national strategic body for design, leading central government policies and regional programmes that strengthen competitiveness, drive innovation and support growth in the creative economy.

Prior to the Design Council, David has held senior leadership roles within business, design and the environmental sector including nine years as Chief Executive of D&AD and four years at the pressure group Friends of the Earth. His tenure at the design and advertising organisation, D&AD, is associated with a turnaround in performance and reputation, including internationalising its award scheme and building its education programmes.

He is a council member of the Royal College of Art and The Royal Society of Arts, a trustee of the Kingston Rose Theatre, board member of the Design Business Association and regular commentator and advisor to government on the creative economy, enterprise and innovation.

Note to the Media

For further information and interviews, please contact Saskia Sissons at the Design Council Press Office on 0207 420 5286

david.kester@designcouncil.org.uk

What David's working on

  • A new business programme, Designing Demand, has helped over 1,500 UK firms to compete more effectively by strengthening design capabilities across senior management teams.
  • A new social enterprise, Designs of the time (Dott), has supported local communities to deliver new and innovative local services.
  • Other successes have included agreeing a National Design Skills Plan with employers and government, including rolling out a Design Mark for schools and establishing new university centres linking business, design and technology.