New Chair of DBA Board of Directors

Nicola has spent more than two decades in the design industry, most of them at creative and digital agency HMA, where she has played a central role in shaping the agency’s growth and strategic direction. Under her leadership, HMA has developed a strong specialism in health, life sciences, and technology, delivering impactful work for NHS organisations, third-sector partners, start-up innovators, global pharmaceutical companies, and academic research teams.

She also contributes to the wider health-tech innovation landscape, delivering masterclasses and mentoring on digital health accelerator programmes and, more recently, helping to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia through her role on the industry sub-committee for the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Long-Term Conditions (Devices for Dignity).

Passionate about nurturing future talent and highlighting the breadth of careers within the creative and digital sectors, Nicola works closely with local schools and colleges – integrating digital components into design courses, setting live briefs, conducting mock interviews, and taking part in careers events and panel discussions.

Nicola joined the DBA Board of Directors in 2022, bringing deep industry experience and long-standing agency leadership to support the association’s strategic development and the wider design community.

“It’s both a privilege and a responsibility to take on the role of Chair at this point in time. Our industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation – from the rise of AI and emerging technologies to economic pressures, talent challenges, and an increasing need to demonstrate the true value of design. This is a critical moment for us to unite, champion effective design, and show the tangible difference our work can make to businesses, communities, and society.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor, Warren Hutchinson, for his leadership, insight, and dedication during his tenure as Chair. His contribution has undoubtedly strengthened the DBA for the benefit of its members and the wider industry”

Nicola Tiffany, MD, HMA and Chair of the DBA Board of Directors

“I’m delighted to be working with Nicola, as Chair of the DBA Board of Directors , over the next three years. She’ll be the critical support that I need and the hands that guide the board. But I’m especially excited about the fact that she’ll be an inspiration to many with ambitions of leadership in the design industry. We need strong leaders in a time of transformational change, people who will champion creativity and human ingenuity, while building innovative ways of working made possible because of technological advances. Nicola sits on a seat that will give the DBA the advantage of seeing what’s coming at the sector.” Deborah Dawton, DBA Chief Executive

The Design Business Association (DBA) is the design industry’s trade association. Elected by the membership, the Directors of the DBA are a mix of DBA members and other design industry experts with extensive experience of integrating design into business strategy at executive level. They collaborate closely with the DBA’s management team to elevate the role of design in business and government and build confidence in design investment. 

DBA Directors include Tim Duncan, Founder and MD, TDC PR, Louise French, Global Operations Director, forpeople, Khadija Kapacee, Co-founder and MD, EDIT Brand Studio, Georgina Leigh-Pemberton, MD, Turner Duckworth, Deborah Longbottom, Treasurer, Simon Ritchie, Global Design Lead, Marketing Excellence, Haleon, Matt Round, Chief Creative Officer, tangerine, Andy Sexton, Partner and ECD, 2LK, Nicola Tiffany, MD, HMA, Stephanie Verschoor, Head of Design & New Digital Solutions, NatWest Group.