London, 16 April 2026, D&AD, the global non-profit championing excellence in design and commercial creativity, has appointed 26 leading creatives across 10 countries as part of a new global Ambassador Programme.
Spanning creative hubs across Europe, Asia Pacific, North and South America, the Ambassador network includes representatives from cities such as Auckland, Berlin, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Madrid, New York, Paris, São Paulo, Sydney and Tokyo.
Among those appointed are Döerte Spengler-Ahrens (Jung von Matt, Hamburg), Ricardo Wolff (INNOCEAN, Berlin), Yasuharu Sasaki (Dentsu, Tokyo), Pancho Casses (David, Madrid), and Shakira Polite, Entrepreneur in Residence at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business in New York and a former D&AD Shift participant. This is an initial group, with further appointments to be announced over time.
The programme is designed to embed D&AD more deeply within local creative industries, connecting talent with its global network, programmes and standards.
David Patton, CEO at D&AD, said: “This is an important moment for D&AD. We’ve always believed creativity doesn’t belong to one place, it’s shaped by communities all over the world. This programme allows us to be closer to those communities, supporting talent at every level, raising standards and strengthening the connection between local industries and the global creative network.
Each Ambassador will champion creative excellence and representation within their region, acting as an advocate for D&AD, connecting local communities to its global programmes, and providing insight to help shape the organisation’s future direction.”
Cat How, D&AD Ambassador and Founder, How&How, said: “What I’ve always admired about D&AD is that it champions creativity at every level, from the very best work in the world to the next generation finding their way in the industry. Having mentored with D&AD Shift, I’ve seen that commitment in action. I’m honoured to be part of the Ambassador Programme and looking forward to collaborating, sharing ideas and hopefully inspiring a few along the way.”
The Ambassador Programme builds on D&AD’s long-standing commitment to creative education and access, including initiatives such as Shift, its free night school for creatives from non-traditional backgrounds, and the New Blood Awards.
THE AMBASSADORS
AUCKLAND
Nick Worthington: Founder, The Tuesday Club
BERLIN
Ricardo Wolff: ECD, INNOCEAN Berlin
HAMBURG
Döerte Spengler-Ahrens: CCO & Partner, Jung Von Matt
HONG KONG
Natalie Lam: Former CCO, Publicis Groupe APAC
Kitty Lun: Head of Creative Shop Greater China, Meta
LOS ANGELES
Paco Conde: CCO, LERMA/
Ali Brown: President & EP, PRETTYBIRD and Ventureland
Cat How: Founder, How&How
LONDON
Tara Ford: CCO, Droga5 London
Tim Greenhalgh: Founder & Creative Director, Like a Moth
Steve Honour: Global Head of Design, Luxury & Single Malts, Diageo
Seun Areoye: Editor, GAUCHOWORLD
Nova Dando: Global Creative Director, TikTok
MADRID
Pancho Casses: Partner & Global Chief Creative Officer, David
NEW YORK
Gabriel Schmitt: CCO, Grey
Alison Gragnano: ECD, The New School
Shakira Polite: Entrepreneur in Residence, Frank G. Zarb School of Business, ex-Shift
PARIS
Sylvain Thirache: President, Le Club des DA
SÃO PAULO
Joanna Monteiro: Former CCO, FCB Brasil
Mateus de Paula Santos: CCO & Founder, Lobo
SYDNEY
Tara McKenty: CCO, AKQA
Patrick Guerrera: Founder & Director, Rebellion Consulting
Melissa Baillache: ECD APAC, Koto
TOKYO
Yasuharu Sasaki: Global CCO, Dentsu
Naomi Hirabayashi: Designer
Jean Lin: Group President, Global Practices, Dentsu
Head to the ambassador page for more information on these appointments, https://www.dandad.org/creative-community/ambassadors.
