GLOBAL, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 – Simon ‘Sanky’ Sankarayya, co-founder of interactive agency Allofus, becomes President of D&AD today. Elected by the Executive Committee, Sanky will act as a figurehead to the organisation that represents creative excellence in advertising and design internationally.
Sanky’s first steps in design were as a graffiti artist. He went on to study information design at the University of Nottingham, and joined Digit as an Art Director when it was founded in 1995. He stayed there until he co-founded AllofUs in 2004. Sanky has worked closely with D&AD over the last year on the development of its new website, which will launch at the end of this month.
‘I want to act as a bridge between advertising and design, ensuring a ‘digital spine’ runs through all of D&AD’s activities,’ says Sanky. ‘I want to support new talent and give graduates the leg up that they need and engage with smaller agencies and individuals that are shaping our industry through a variety of smaller events and taking a fresh look at what we have to offer online.’
Sanky has spoken at Design Indaba, IDN conferences in Sydney and Singapore, Flash Forward, The Typographic Circle and Design Yatra in Goa. He has also taught at the London College of Communication, Hyper Island in Sweden and Space Invaders in Copenhagen.
The following D&AD Members have been elected to the Executive Committee following elections in August: Rosie Arnold, BBH; Mark Bonner, GBH; Neville Brody, Research Studios; Andy Cheetham, JWT; Bryan Clark, University College Falmouth; Vince Frost, Frost*; Steven Johnson, The Hub; Ben Priest, adam&eve; Mike Stephenson, Moon; Alexandra Taylor, Mrs McGuinty.
The D&AD Presidency, which involves ambassador and spokesperson duties, rotates annually. D&AD members who have served on the Executive Committee are eligible for presidency.
Photo credit: Christine Donnier-Valentin
