D&AD’s new president Brazier on DNA of D&AD
Paul Brazier, executive creative director at AMV.BBDO, London takes over as D&AD President today, following his election by the Executive Committee. Sanky, founding partner at design consultancy AllofUs has been elected Deputy President.
“I haven’t checked, but I’m willing to bet that every incoming D&AD President has described the year ahead as ‘challenging,” said Paul Brazier. “This next one certainly will be. There’s less money about. More awards schemes competing for entries. And the possibilities in communications seem to change almost daily.
“I think the best way for D&AD to go forward is to look to its past. To remember why it exists, what it stands for and why it was created in the first place – the DNA of D&AD. There are two strands: awards and education. The D&AD awards are there recognise the best work in the world. Our juries are famously tough and we’re proud of that. Sometimes it makes D&AD maddening but it also makes it the award to win.
“But if we’re mean with awards, we’re generous with education. D&AD has always encouraged the best students and helped them find work. Many of us in the industry have benefited from D&AD Workshops and Student Awards in the past. So let’s remember the DNA of D&AD in this tough year ahead. By supporting these two strands we, and the industry, can do more than just survive. We can thrive.”
“It takes an incredibly brave person to take over a role previously held by the likes of Peter Souter and David Abbott, so slipping into my D&AD president’s shoes, should be a walk in the park for Paul Brazier,” said outgoing president Garrick Hamm. “One of the delightful by-products of being D&AD President is not only getting to work with truly talented folk – they also become good friends. Paul is no exception – good luck Braze.”
As president, Brazier will work closely with the chief executive and executive committee to oversee the affairs and set the objectives for the organisation. Following stints at WCRS and Cogent Elliott, Brazier has spent the last 17 years at AMV.BBDO, including 4 years as Executive Creative Director. He’s won numerous creative awards including 6 D&AD Yellow Pencils, several One Show Pencils and Cannes Gold Lions.