Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ben Terrett Declines D&AD President Role to Make Room for a Diverse Hire

In a blog post explaining his decision, he said too many 'middle-aged white men' hold positions like this one

Ben-Terrett-dnad-CONTENT-2020 — Ben Terrett has passed up the opportunity to become president of D&AD.D&AD

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Each year, D&AD, the London-based advertising awards organization that hands out the coveted Black Pencil, chooses a new president. Today, D&AD appointed Naresh Ramchandani, Pentagram partner and co-founder of creative agencies Karmarama and St Lukes, as president.

Hours later, Public Digital CEO Ben Terrett said in a blog post that he “should have been announced” as D&AD’s latest president today. Terrett, who’s served as deputy president of the organization for the past year, went on to explain that he was offered the role, as is customary, but that he ultimately decided against taking it to clear the way for a candidate who isn’t a white man.

“I’ve