Design Academy Eindhoven launches search for new Creative Director
DAE’s Creative Director Joseph Grima will step down later this year, as he completes his second and final four-year term. As we prepare for this transition, Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) is launching the search for its next Creative Director, who will also serve as a member of the Executive Board (College van Bestuur).
The international recruitment process will be led by global executive search firm Perrett Laver. A representative selection committee from within DAE will oversee the appointment process, with members drawn from across the Academy — including the Supervisory Board, Executive Board, educational and research leadership (a.o. DAE Alumni), and management.
The profile for the role is currently being finalised. We expect to publish it by the end of April, identify a shortlist of candidates by the end of May, and conclude the appointment process by July 2025.
As the recruitment process gets underway, we thank Joseph Grima for his continued commitment, vision and support — especially for his generosity and energising presence during this year’s Milan Design Week, where he has been hosting DAE at Alcova this week, and in preparations for the upcoming Graduation Show at Dutch Design Week in October.
Who's Perrett Laver?
Perrett Laver was selected to support DAE in this process following a competitive procedure involving multiple executive search firms. Their strong international track record at the intersection of higher education, the arts, and culture makes them a natural partner for this search. Perrett Laver will assist DAE in identifying and engaging with a global field of candidates and will support the overall process leading to the appointment of the next Creative Director.
Why a four-year cycle?
At Design Academy Eindhoven, the role of Creative Director runs in four-year cycles, with a maximum term of eight years. This structure reflects the Academy’s approach to education: open to change, reflective, and always evolving.
The cycle allows for fresh thinking while still giving room to develop ideas over time. It helps ensure the role doesn’t become fixed, keeping DAE in a space of curiosity and movement.
More information will follow soon.
