Why Sven Baker was Pinned

“Design has to be informed and embedded in a company’s values and business approach if it is to succeed. Our passion and purpose as a business is very clear. To design the most successful down under brands in the world.”

Sven Baker, group chief executive officer and director of Designworks New Zealand has just won the 2012 Black Pin for Outstanding Achievement from The Designers Institute of New Zealand.

The quote above is an extract from his acceptance speech, in which he also stressed that  helping companies to innovate is not about design as a superficial add on or afterthought.

The Black Pin award was recognition for Baker’s portfolio of award winning graphic design work, and his role as a leader in the NZ design community.

Baker joined Designworks, which is part of STW Group, more than twenty-five years ago and worked his way up the ranks into a senior leadership role. STW also value and applaud his work towards the sustained success and ongoing development of what has become one of the largest design practices in New Zealand. And is now, in Australia also.

Baker has been creative director for clients such as Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, Silverfern Farms, Gallagher Group, Tait Electronics and Kiwibank. He was a focal member of the team that established Designworks Sydney office.

His awards include two New York Art Director Awards for Typography and Corporate Identity, and two Best Awards Stringers. He was also integral to Designworks' winning the Supreme Award at Vero’s Excellence in Business awards.