The new festival will aim to bring emerging talent, agencies and studios, brands and in-house teams and creative leaders from around the world under one roof, creating a space for different generations, disciplines and perspectives to explore the tensions shaping creativity now and what comes next, says the NPO.

D&AD also announced Nils Leonard as its new President, succeeding Lisa Smith following her one-year term. As President, the Uncommon Creative Studio Co-Founder will curate a series of President Lectures at D&AD Alive, aimed at bringing together different perspectives from across the creative industry, adds the NPO.

Before co-founding Uncommon Creative Studio, Leonard was Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Grey London, where he oversaw profitable and awarded years and became one of the youngest agency chairmen in the world.

Ranked the No. 1 Creative Person globally by Business Insider and named among the Sunday Times' 500 Most Influential People, he has spent more than two decades in advertising and design, says the NPO.

In Uncommon's nine years, the studio has become a fast growing, creatively awarded start-up. Key highlights includ the rebranding and launching EA Sports FC, the BBC calling it The worlds biggest entertainment rebrand, attending New York Fashion Week with the Ratboot; creating the mental health campaign: ITV's Britain Get Talking; returning British Airways to its place as a British brand with safety videos and reference point advertising; andwinning a Black Pencil with The Periodic Fable for The Ordinary.

"D&AD has shaped me and so many people I admire, so being asked to be President is a genuine honour. Creativity is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It builds brands, businesses and culture. Yet almost everywhere we talk about it like a luxury, something nice to have, rather than the engine behind our economies and our future," says Nils Leonard, D&AD President and Co-Founder of Uncommon Creative Studio.

"Too many young people are never shown what creativity can be, or that it's a career, a skill and a way of solving problems. I want to use this year to change that, and to make the case for creativity as something every country should be proud of and invest in," adds Leonard. "Creativity is our very own human magic, and it is stronger than we think."

"Nils has always been a powerful advocate for creativity and original thinking. He's built his career challenging convention, backing ambitious ideas and pushing for work that has genuine impact," says Tim Lindsay, Chairman of D&AD.

"D&AD has always stood for creative excellence and the people behind it – setting the bar for great work while giving people the training, opportunities and support to reach it," adds Lindsay. "As we bring different generations, disciplines and perspectives together through D&AD Alive, Nils brings exactly the energy and point of view we want from our President."

"I'm delighted to welcome him, and I'd also like to thank Lisa Smith for everything she has brought to D&AD and the creative community during her presidency," says Lindsay.

Nils Leonard, succeeds current D&AD President, Global Chief Creative Officer, Uncommon, Lisa Smith following her one-year term, who was appointed during her time as Global Executive Creative Director at JKR, concludes the NPO.

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*Image courtesy of contributor