John Gough next “Godparent”

Berlin, July 6, 2009 – John Gough, who served for the last 10 years as Director of Creative and Business Affairs of Distraction Formats Ltd. (UK), will be the next “Godparent” for the Berlin School’s next Executive MBA Program in Creative Leadership. Over the course of a year he will mentor participants during multiple 2-week modules of the parttime program beginning Sept. 13, 2009. Gough will personally attend sessions in-depth, adding his knowledge and experience to the teaching of leadership in the creative industries.

Gough joins an illustrious group of creative leaders who lend their time and experience to the Berlin School. Each Executive MBA intake is accompanied by a highly accomplished executive from the various communication industries. Currently Keith Reinhard, the Chairman Emeritus of DDB Worldwide, and Seymour Stein, CEO of Sire Records, are also donating their time as Godparents, modeled on the example set by the School’s President, Michael Conrad.

Open seats remain for the upcoming EMBA start module that begins Sept. 13 and will feature sessions in Berlin, London, the U.S. and Asia. Applications will be accepted through July 21, 2009. For more info, visit: www.berlinschool.com

Recognized as one of the television format industry’s leading figures, John has not only developed, produced and sold TV formats around the world, he has played an instrumental role in fostering the formats industry as a whole, working with FRAPA (the Format and Protection Association) and the Rose d'Or Entertainment Television Festival, where he is President of the Advisory Board. John also sits on the Advisory Board of the Entertainment Master Class and has juried the Rose d’Or (Lucerne), I Emmys (New York) and Format Awards (Monte Carlo).

“John has not only proven himself as a leading producer and creator of entertainment television programming and formats, he has helped lead his industry. His essential contribution to the establishment and growth of the television format industry’s Entertainment Master Class has shown us that he is a kindred spirit in developing industry professionals,” said Michael Conrad, President of the Berlin School. “As we work to break down the silos between entertainment, advertising, interactive, marketing and design, John’s breadth of experience and global supporters will be a terrific resource for the Berlin School and its executive MBA participants. Cue the applause.

“Whenever I reflect upon my working life I see a pattern that I interpret as a creative adventure that highlights an unconventional career path,” said Gough, who will soon step down from his duties at Distraction Formats to lead his other ventures. “For me it is an honor to be asked to contribute my experience to such an inspirational program as the executive MBA at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, where convention is challenged and the unconventional is given a true value. In today's particularly uncertain climate, the sharing of experience has never been more important, nor the acquisition of knowledge more vital. This combination makes creative leadership even more relevant.“