Chief executive of the Design Council since 2003, David Kester leads the Design Council’s national programmes and policies for industry, education and the public sector that drive innovation and strengthen competitiveness in the UK.
David’s current focus is on designing out of the downturn and includes mentoring high-tech ventures on using design to accelerate new innovations, such as green technologies and sustainable services, to global markets. Across Whitehall and at a local level, David is promoting new design-led approaches that turn social challenges into economic opportunity.
The recent Design Bugs Out programme with frontline NHS staff, has matched the challenges of MRSA and c.Difficile to new consortia of manufacturers and designers, resulting in innovative healthcare products and improved approaches to government procurement. Current project themes include sustainable water consumption, crime prevention, community cohesion, and preventative healthcare.
David is also CEO of CABE and his background in design, industry and the environment includes nine years as CEO of D&AD. He is a council member of the Royal College of Art, a member of the Home Office Design & Technology Alliance Against Crime, and a trustee of the Rose Theatre Kingston.