As the oldest and largest representative body for designers in Ireland, IDI is committed to elevating design in all its forms. As design disciplines have grown and morphed, never before have we needed a keener focus on design for growth, and that starts with ourselves. To date, IDI has been volunteer-led, however in recognition of the need for focussed leadership to promote the interests of the design sector, IDI has appointed its first ever CEO, Charlotte Barker. Charlotte is a very welcome addition to IDI, and clearly has the skills, passion and commitment to build on the foundations of IDI and push us into a new future.

With 20 years of working in strategic leadership roles in creative agencies internationally, Charlotte has a wealth of experience and insight to bring to the role. Having spent the past 11 years in leading branding agency Dynamo, she recently stepped off the board of IAPI (Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland) where she led on Diversity and Inclusion initiatives to the betterment of the industry. She also won the 2017 IAPI Doyenne Award for women in leadership.

On her appointment Charlotte commented: “We are at a turning point in design, as our sector is perfectly positioned to support businesses through the turbulent economic times we find ourselves in. From brands and corporations employing strategic design techniques to pivot their offer; or architects, interior designers and product designers creating human-centred solutions to Covid-19 restrictions; to brand communication designers supporting businesses to stay connected with their customers, the design sector has an integral role to play in innovation.

“I am thrilled to take up and shape this new role with IDI, and am working with the board to agree the strategy to take us forward.”

The board and council of IDI look forward to working with Charlotte Barker in this new role and will, of course, keep our members updated on developments.