Camilla Haustrup Hermansen, Chairman of DDC’s board, says:

“Martin Delfer brings a great deal of professionalism and knowledge as well as many years of top management experience from the design field, both nationally and internationally. We are certain that Martin will further strengthen DDC in showcasing how design thinking adds value as a method of creating change and impact and that he will, in particular, ensure a greater focus on enabling both small, medium-sized, and larger companies and organizations to create sustainable growth and innovation through design and design solutions. The board looks forward to working with Martin and the rest of the team to further strengthen DDC’s purpose and focus.”

Martin Delfer says:

“Design is a unique national competence. Whether it concerns the design of products, services, organizations, or systems, Denmark places itself at the absolute global top. Our society is imbued with design. We have a fundament of companies that grow and compete worldwide because design is integrated early. And we have an increasing number of public organizations that develop more relevant, citizen-friendly solutions through design. As the national design center of Denmark, DDC has a central role to play – also in the future. I look forward to continuing the development of DDC, focusing even more on Danish businesses and adding design as a force for competitiveness and change. With a solid starting point in DDC’s design professional strengths, I look forward to, together with the many competent colleagues, creating an even more sustainable society – socially, economically, as well as for our climate and environment.”

In addition to his work at Designit since 2004, Martin Delfer has focused on areas such as the green transition, competitiveness, scaling of business models, digitalization, AI, and the general framework conditions of Danish businesses, e.g., as chairman of Design denmark during nine years, as a member of the Danish Business Advisory Committee during 15 years, and as a member of DI – Danish Industry’s International Market Committee during seven years. Martin Delfer has also – appointed by the design industry – worked on DDC’s board for nine years until 2019.

Designit, initially founded in Denmark, has almost 700 employees in 16 offices worldwide and operates in all fields of design consultancy.

The change comes as DDC’s former CEO, Christian Bason, has chosen not to reapply for his position after nine years. Christian had his last day at DDC on October 31, 2023. COO Sune Knudsen acts as interim CEO during November.