D&AD (Design & Art Direction), the London-based trade group for design and commercial creativity, announced Nils Leonard as its new President, succeeding Lisa Smith.   

Before co-founding Uncommon Creative Studio, Leonard was Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Grey London.   

Among other efforts, Uncommon is known for its rebranding and launching EA Sports FC, and creating the UK’s well regarded mental health campaign: ITV’s Britain Get Talking.  

Leonard takes up the presidency as D&AD prepares to bring its creative community together in a new way. In June 2027, D&AD Festival and New Blood Festival will come together for the first time as D&AD Alive.