Design Council appoints new Chief Executive Sarah Weir OBE

Design Council's Chair and Trustees have welcomed Sarah Weir OBE as its new Chief Executive. 

Sarah will take Design Council into an exciting new phase, building on its current success and developing new programmes and services.

In a career spanning arts, design and culture, Sarah has held senior roles at Arts Council England, London Olympic Delivery Authority and London Legacy Development Corporation where she was Director of Arts and Culture. She is currently interim Executive Producer at the Roundhouse.

Design Council Chair, Terry Tyrrell, said: “We are delighted to have Sarah on board. Throughout her career she has pushed boundaries, transformed organisations and developed a unique insight into the private, public and voluntary sector. Design Council’s mission is to improve lives through the use of design, improving the built environment, tackling societal challenges and driving economic growth. Sarah’s experience and expertise, combined with her passion for social impact and design, will guide us into this exciting new period.”

Sarah’s career has seen her operate in senior roles in the public, private and third sectors. In 2012, she was awarded an OBE for services to the arts and culture.  

I am immensely proud to be joining the Design Council as the new Chief Executive at a pivotal time in its history. Great design improves lives.

Sarah Weir, OBE

Ahead of her move to Design Council, Sarah said: “I am immensely proud to be joining the Design Council as the new Chief Executive at a pivotal time in its history. Great design improves lives. Looking at the significant challenges of our age, it is clear that the work of the Design Council is as relevant today, and in the years to come, as it was at its inception in post-war Britain.

“I’m hugely looking forward to working with the staff and partners, as well as local and national governments, businesses and communities up and down the country, and beyond. My ambition is to champion the role and value of great design in the UK economy, whilst also continually growing its impact on society and the built environment.”  

Sarah takes over from John Mathers who retired at the end of 2016.  She will take up her new position in April 2017. Until then, executive directors Madeline Denmead and Clare Devine have executive responsibility for delivering the strategy and managing the activities of Design Council.