The Design Council has appointed John Mathers as its Chief Executive. John joins the Design Council from his role as Chief Executive of the Holmes & Marchant Group, one of the world’s iconic design brands.
John has over 30 years’ experience in the design industry. He has held various roles, including Head of Brand at Safeway, and led a number of marketing, brand and design consultancies in the UK since the mid-1990s.
John has always had a commitment to the development of the design industry, was president of the Design Business Association for an unprecedented three years, and currently acts as the Association’s spokesperson for its 20:20 Mentoring Scheme.
Martin Temple CBE, Chairman of the Design Council, said: ‘We’re delighted that John Mathers is joining us. The Design Council and Cabe have both been making major contributions to the world of design, architecture and the built environment for many years. With the ever more challenging impact of globalisation, the need to re-balance our economy and greater expectations from our built environment, our role becomes ever more relevant to the UK. John’s impressive experience will add real value to our work in stimulating innovation, improving our built environment and tackling complex social challenges.’
Commenting on his appointment, John Mathers said: ‘I’m very pleased, and excited, to be joining the Design Council. It’s an organisation I have worked with, and supported, for a long time and it has a key role to play in the UK over the coming years. I look forward to helping build its importance as an independent champion of the power of design.’
The Design Council is also announcing the appointment of two key roles in its Cabe team – to strengthen its programmes for the built environment and lead the process of design review. David Waterhouse has been appointed as the new Head of Programme Development and Alan Thompson is Cabe’s new Head of Design Review.
Design Council Article: LINK
