D&AD CEO Dara Lynch to depart after 18 years

Dara Lynch, the chief executive of D&AD, is stepping down after an 18-year tenure with the organisation later this year. 

D&AD said the leadership team will continue to be supported by chairman Tim Lindsay and the board of trustees “as the organisation undertakes a thorough review of its future needs and priorities”.

Taking over from Jo Jackson, Lynch became CEO in June last year. Jackson was appointed CEO in 2022 and before this the post was vacant for two years. 

Lynch joined D&AD in 2007 in a financial and operations role. She was hired by Antony Simonds-Gooding, who was the chairman of D&AD at the time, to "stabilise the organisation's finances”, D&AD said in a statement. She then became chief operations officer. 

Lynch said: “After 18 years at D&AD, it feels like the right time to turn the page and start a new chapter. This organisation has been such a huge part of my life – I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented, passionate people in the industry and seeing first-hand the power of creativity to inspire change. 

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, from championing emerging talent to growing D&AD’s global community. While stepping away is bittersweet, I leave confident in the team’s vision for the future and deeply grateful for the journey we’ve shared.”

During her time at D&AD, Lynch has helped the organisation through big changes such as relocating from Vauxhall to Shoreditch, introducing the White Pencil initiative and setting up Shift, the talent and diversity programme. 

Lindsay added: “Dara’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping D&AD’s creative, inclusive culture. She departs with the deep gratitude and respect of her colleagues, the Board of Trustees, and the wider creative community she has championed throughout her career.”