David Patton
CEO
About
Chief executive of D&AD. At its 2026 festival, he moderated a discussion on how brands build teams, processes and environments that support creative excellence.
SourceEvents & talks
D&AD Festival
In their own words
The choice is ours. To value judgement over shortcuts, protect the rigour that separates competent from exceptional and invest in the people who will learn to tell the difference. AI has raised the floor. It's up to all of us to decide where the ceiling should be.
Sixty-four years in and the D&AD Awards have never felt more global or more vital.
Articles & interviews3
- Optical Arts Creates Bold CGI Worlds Through Illusions and Unexpected Design
Creative Boom reports on D&AD's AI & Creativity Report 2026, which draws on 197 conversations with creative leaders in 30 countries and analysis of more than 10,000 D&AD Award entries. The report argues that while AI can make work polished and efficient, replacing junior-level tasks risks eroding the practical learning pipeline that develops future senior creatives. D&AD urges agencies to use AI as a tool for excellence rather than a shortcut to average output.
- D&AD’s most global year signals shift in creative excellence
The 2026 D&AD Awards marked the most global edition in the event’s history, with entries from 89 countries and notable wins from Singapore, India, and the UAE. The results highlight a shift in creative excellence toward emerging markets and reaffirm the value of craft and storytelling in an era dominated by technology. D&AD President Lisa Smith and CEO David Patton praised the diversity and innovation of this year’s winners.