Bulgaria

Angel Iskrev

Co-Founder and Creative Director, proof.

Angel Iskrev serves as the co-founder and creative director at proof, an independent creative agency located in Bulgaria.

With over eight years of experience in the advertising industry, he has honed his skills, including a tenure as a creative director at DDB Sofia. His extensive experience positions him as a seasoned professional capable of delivering innovative and impactful creative solutions for clients.

Iskrev's portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands like Telenor Hungary&Bulgaria, Carlsberg Bulgaria, TELUS International Europe, McDonald's, and Somersby, among others. His outstanding work has earned him over 120 awards at both national and international festivals. Additionally, he is an active member of the IAB Bulgaria board and shares his expertise as a visiting lecturer at New Bulgarian University. In his leisure time, he also showcases his talents as a sports commentator on Eurosport, boasting a remarkable record of covering five Olympic Games.

Hungary

Levente Kovacs

Chief Creative Officer, White Rabbit Budapest

Levente Kovacs co-founded his Hungary-based indie agency 14 years ago after stints at HKB Bozell and JWT Budapest.

Throughout his professional journey, he has secured numerous groundbreaking achievements for the Hungarian industry, notably being the first to have a Hungarian work featured on the cover of Luerzer's Archive. He also clinched Hungary's inaugural Platina Effie for long-term effectiveness. Presently, White Rabbit Budapest stands as Hungary's most decorated and internationally renowned creative agency.

He is a strategic mind and adept problem solver, crafting impactful brand narratives for clients like Heineken, Shell, KitKat, Vodafone, and WWF. His achievements have been acknowledged across various prestigious platforms. Advocating for purpose-driven approaches in branding and business, he actively promotes elevated creative standards and mentors aspiring talents. As a guest lecturer at Budapest Business University, he manages the Advertising Chronicles blog, translating marketing and advertising literature into Hungarian.

Morocco

Samira Rafi

Creative Director, Boomerang Communication

Samira Rafi is the creative director renowned advertising agency, Boomerang Communication with over 20 years of experience in communication and advertising.

In his role as a creative director at the advertising agency, Rafi spearheads innovative campaigns and guides the creative team in crafting compelling and impactful advertising content. She has extensive experience in creative crowdsourcing for a diverse portfolio of international brands, leveraging her innovative approach to engage audiences effectively.

She is a strong advocate for work that serves as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for positive transformation. She views her responsibility not only as a problem solver for businesses but also as an opportunity to address and raise awareness about global issues, fostering positive change to society. With her extensive and diverse background spanning multiple sectors, she has provided valuable support to a wide array of institutions, to global and local brands.

Belgium

Sam De Win

Creative Director, Prophets Belgium

Nearly two decades ago, Sam De Win embarked on his professional path as a copywriter, contributing his talents to prominent agencies such as Euro RSCG United, Y&R, and BBDO.

In his time at Y&R, he co-created the iconic Devos & Lemmens campaign, featuring two characters in comedic radio ads for the brand's sauces—a hit series that has been a staple for over 15 years. While at BBDO, he penned the script for Belgacom's acclaimed TV spot "Who took my badges," cleverly blending English and Flemish into the catchy 'Flenglish,' leaving a lasting impact.

Rising to Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy Brussels, he led the agency to win its first Cannes Lion with groundbreaking work. He later served as Executive Creative Director at Serviceplan Benelux, earning multiple awards, before becoming Creative Director at Make Lemonade. His diverse portfolio covers TV, print, radio, and digital, delivering influential content for brands like Volvo, Mercedes, and Pepsi.