This category celebrates those who expand design’s reach and impact across organisations. It recognises leaders who balance vision and execution, shaping both culture and outcomes while nurturing the next generation of design talent.

Who should enter

  • Design leaders heading in-house teams or design functions.
  • Creative directors or heads of design driving impact across disciplines.
  • Leaders fostering design maturity and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Individuals influencing design culture through advocacy and results.

Selection criteria

Judges will look for leadership that advances design’s influence, craft, and value within an organisation. Entries should show evidence of strategic thinking, creative leadership, and measurable impact.

  • Leadership that expands design’s influence across functions.
  • Culture-building and mentorship of design talent.
  • Delivery of work with clear creative and business outcomes.

Entry tips

Tell the story of your leadership journey. Show how you’ve built teams, expanded design’s influence, and raised standards of creativity and collaboration.

  • Include examples of initiatives improving design culture or processes.
  • Show measurable design and business outcomes from your leadership.
  • Highlight how you’ve developed and championed design talent.
  • Design vision or leadership manifesto.
  • Case studies or portfolio of design outcomes.
  • Testimonials or peer recognition
Enter now Applications open December 1, 2026
Category
Leadership
Related
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Submission deadline
Entry fee
$250.00
Applications
Applications open December 1, 2026