United States

Martin Bihl

Executive Creative Director, LevLane Advertising

With a dual role, Martin Bihl is the Executive Creative Director at LevLane Advertising and the Editor of The Agency Review.

Bihl has produced creative campaigns for an array of clients, from financial institutions to breweries, and delving into the B2B sector and beyond. He has ventured into an extensive range of marketing channels, including traditional print, TV, and radio, as well as innovative approaches like guerrilla marketing, digital strategies and even ground-breaking techniques yet to be categorized. Beyond his work in the advertising realm, Bihl's writing has been featured in an eclectic mix of publications such as McSweeney's, Advertising Age and has conducted interviews with notable industry figures like Sir John Hegarty, George Lois, and Luke Sullivan.

He has instructed undergraduate students, international master's candidates, and MBA scholars in the realms of marketing, advertising, and branding at universities. He frequently delivers presentations at educational institutions across the nation.

Germany

Diane Schulz

General Manager, Serviceplan Group

Diane Schulz boasts a 24-year advertising career and currently holds the position of General Manager at Serviceplan Group.

As a General Manager in the digital agency, she is at the helm of a dynamic team, guiding them through the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world. Her responsibilities extend to developing and executing digital strategies that drive online presence and engagement for clients. She ensures seamless project management, fosters innovation, and maintains a sharp focus on achieving results in the digital realm.

Schulz excels not only in her expertise but also in her ability to inspire and engage her team with infectious enthusiasm. Her reputation for clarity, dependability, and a sharp analytical acumen makes her an invaluable asset in steering her team's efforts towards shared goals, and her approach to teamwork is a perfect blend of fairness and good-natured camaraderie, creating an environment where collaboration thrives and collective achievements are celebrated.

Pakistan

Fatima Ansari

Global Senior Copywriter, Publicis One Touch

Fatima Ansari is the Global Senior Copywriter of Publicis One Touch.

As a Senior Global Copywriter for prominent brands such as PepsiCo Snacks and Unilever, Ansari is responsible for crafting compelling and persuasive written content that aligns with the brand's identity and messaging. Her tasks include developing creative copy for various marketing materials, such as advertisements, product packaging, social media campaigns, and website content. In addition, she works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that the brand's voice and message are effectively communicated to the target audience, ultimately contributing to the brands' success in the global market.

Remarkably, she holds the distinction of being not only the youngest but also the most decorated creative professional in Pakistan, a testament to her exceptional talent and contributions. Her work is characterized by innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries to deliver outstanding results.

Greece

Maria Afroditi Patsi

Founder, AdvAge Advertising and NFT Cube Agency

Maria Afroditi Patsi is the founder of AdvAge and NFT Cube Agency based in Athens.

She possesses an entrepreneurial spirit and leads innovative campaigns that blend the artistic and technical realms. She currently excels as an Augmented Reality Engineer at Meta while pursuing her PhD in Computational Science and Engineering at MIT. With a multifaceted skill set, she balances roles across disciplines: a designer shaping visual narratives, a developer crafting code in the twilight hours, a poet weaving words at dusk, and a marketer strategizing brand engagements by daylight.

Her creations have received international recognition, showcased in renowned design museums and art galleries around the world. Her influence extends beyond exhibitions, as her distinctive style and artistic vision have set new benchmarks for innovation and aesthetics in the art community. Her contributions to the field have elevated her status as an artist and shaped contemporary design discourse.

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.

United States

Alexia Bregman

Director of Logic and Magic, The Bureau of Small Projects

Alexia Bregman is the Director of Logic and Magic at The Bureau of Small Projects.

Bregman possesses a sharp eye for creative brilliance, effective strategy, and a love for organization. She thrives on pushing creative boundaries, are passionate about branding and communication, and live and breathe marketing! Always on the cutting edge, she has a deep affinity for data and organization and Gantt charts.

Their unquenchable curiosity fuels their drive to continuously discover new horizons and remain an early adopter, always ahead of the curve. They thrive when faced with challenges and have a genuine affinity for interacting with people. As a bold leader and tireless innovator, they actively engage with their surroundings and embrace the uncharted. They firmly believe in striking a harmonious balance between creativity and analytics, always pursuing novel ideas that others have yet to explore.

United States

Xiaobi Pan

Lead Designer, Amazon

Xiaobi (Iris) Pan is a Lead Designer at Amazon and a globally recognized pioneer in Emerging Technology Design, known for shaping innovative, user-centered experiences at the forefront of digital innovation.

Currently a Lead Designer at Amazon, she leverages technologies such as Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to reimagine the consumer experience with a focus on both business impact and social good. She is the creator of a sound-interactive installation experienced by over one million participants, an app dedicated to planting 100 million trees by 2025, and a portfolio of industry-leading, next-generation products and immersive experiences.

She is widely regarded as an expert in emerging technology design, bringing a rare blend of strategic vision, technical fluency, and creative leadership to her work. With a strong track record of translating complex innovations into intuitive, human-centered experiences, she continues to influence industry standards and inspire best practices across the global design and technology community.

United States

Alla Stozhok

Founder & Director, Experienced Music Director, Orchestra Artist, Music Educator, Levit Music School Ukraine, Cello Story LLC (USA)

Alla Stozhok is a music director, orchestral artist, and teacher with seven years of experience, and the founder of Levit Music School in Ukraine and Cello Story LLC in the USA.

Alla is the creator of a scientifically recognized method that combines classical music pedagogy with neuropsychology, emotional intelligence, and child development. Featured in the article “Neural Symphony of Business and Education,” her work bridges science, culture, and entrepreneurship. She has led teaching teams, developed programs for over 300 students annually, and organized more than 200 concerts. As a principal cellist, she has performed with top orchestras including the New England Philharmonic, Narragansett Bay Symphony, and the National Opera of Ukraine.

She is deeply committed to using art as a tool for emotional healing and social inclusion—values she brings into all her educational and evaluative work. She has served as a jury member, evaluating projects in innovation, education, and social impact.

Poland

Alex Brodsky

CEO, Playsense

Alex Brodsky is a senior marketing executive with over a decade of senior management experience. He previously ran Wargaming's in-house agency, one of the largest in-house agencies in the video game industry.

Alex is now the CEO of Playsense, an award-winning creative agency for video games, with clients including Riot Games, Ubisoft, Wargaming, Krafton, and Tencent. He has managed cross-cultural teams of approximately 200 people across Europe and APAC, overseeing 7-figure budgets. His teams have worked with major game titles, Hollywood and music icons, and have won numerous prestigious industry awards.

He led the business through challenging times such as the pandemic, revolution, and war, although he wishes these hardships had never occurred. Despite these challenges, Alex and his partners started a new company when the world was in turmoil, achieving this feat in less than two months, demonstrating an expert level of difficulty.

Poland

Ivan Dzmitryievich

Founder and Product Designer, Productivity Apps

Ivan Dzmitryievich is the founder and designer at Productivity Apps, with over 15 years of experience creating digital products across industries. As the former Founding Designer at Beeper, he led design across 14+ chat networks from inception through its acquisition by Automattic in 2024.

Formerly on the founding team at Banuba, Ivan’s work in AR and face-tracking led to a U.S. design patent later cited by Apple, LG, and Huawei. His career spans Wargaming, Easybrain, and ventures in fintech, digital arts, and wearable design, blending usability, aesthetics, and technical craft to build intuitive, scalable products.

His work has been celebrated at hackathons, referenced in patents, and embraced by millions of users worldwide. Ivan continues to explore the intersections of technology, design, and human experience, shaped by a career spanning Europe and North America.

United States

Ivan D Manolov

Art Director, MojoTech LLC.

Ivan D Manolov helps people solve tough problems and deliver products to market. He keeps himself busy with complex business & design challenges in industries like healthcare, aviation, government, and automotive. His design experience spans from digital products through branding, print, illustration and custom lettering to a few niche design subjects like calligraphy, heraldry, vexillology, and cartography. Currently, he's working as a digital product designer at Mojotech, a consultancy that makes software for big and soon-to-be-big companies. Besides his full-time job, he's trying to help out non-profit organizations and local governments with pro-bono strategy and design work.

United States

Jiayuan Wang

Design Director, VSDesign

Jiayuan Wang, a renowned designer specializing in digital media and product design, is based in Seattle. As design director at VSDesign, her diverse portfolio spans healthcare, education, and technology, with key projects at the University of Washington, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and more.

Recognized for her dedication to design excellence and innovation, she has earned over ten prestigious international awards. Her acclaimed work has been widely exhibited, including at the 2024 Kent Summer Art Exhibit, Aquarium - 2024, and the Anacortes Arts Festival, and was featured as the cover design for Issue 27 of "Landscapes in Process" at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jiayuan brings valuable experience from her previous roles as a web UI/UX designer and consultant, specializing in interaction design for cloud-based restaurant management, sustainable e-commerce, and enterprise software. Prior to joining VSDesign, she honed her leadership skills as a lead designer at a startup.

United States

Manas Paradkar

Associate Creative Director, The BAM Connection

Manas Paradkar is an Associate Creative Director and copywriter at The BAM Connection. Originally from Mumbai, India, he came to New York via Boston, where he earned a master’s degree in advertising from Boston University.

Over his 7 years at BAM, he has written for brands such as First Response pregnancy tests, Bausch + Lomb, Redemption Rye whiskey, Yellow Tail wine, Birds Eye, and many more. His work has been recognized by the Clios, the Addys, The Tellys, and Graphis. Notably, his campaign for Pennsylvania’s first medical marijuana dispensary was featured in AdWeek’s top 5 cannabis campaigns of 2019.

In addition to working with CPG brands, he is passionate about creating work that impacts critical cultural issues. For the past 3 years, he has partnered with NORML, a nonprofit in the cannabis space, to advocate for the release of those unjustly incarcerated for petty cannabis use.

Outside of advertising, Manas loves to travel, try new recipes, and write about politics.

Hong Kong SAR

Dr. Ken Ip

Chairman, Asia MarTech Society

Dr. Ken Ip serves as the chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and holds advisory roles in numerous professional organizations, including two universities. He is an award-winning brand strategist, associate professor, columnist, and expert commentator specializing in Tech, Web3, Branding, and e-Commerce.
Ip has occupied diverse high-ranking roles within prominent multinational corporations and conglomerates, spanning from corporate consulting to providing advisory services in public affairs. Additionally, he serves as a strategic advisor for a Web3-focused venture capital firm with assets totaling USD 75 million.
He stands as a luminary in his industry, showcasing a wealth of accomplishments and contributions. His extensive experience in senior positions within leading multinationals and conglomerates reflects his profound impact on corporate consulting and public affairs advisory. Furthermore, as a chairman and a key figure on advisory boards for esteemed universities, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of marketing technology and education.

Romania

Matei Curtasu

Creative Director, Serenade Studios

Matei Curtasu has had the experience judging for SXSW Innovative, New York Festivals, WebAwards, as well as being an Advisory Board member of SXSW. He has also worked in ad agencies around the world, and recently opened his own shop in Bucharest.

China

Hao Shan

Creative Director, Founder, Cre+ Design

Hao Shan, the founder of Creplus Design Studio, established the studio in 2009. He currently holds the position of Director in the Department of Visual Communication at the School of Art, Design & Media within East China University of Science and Technology.

With a background in both Eastern and Western design education, extensive experience in design and management roles within leading French international design firms, and a wealth of hands-on involvement in international brand design projects, including L'Oréal, Garnier, Nike, SFR, Dassault, Renault, Citroën, Club Med, Nestlé, PMU, Disney, Bank of Communication, and more, Hao Shan's designs have garnered numerous international accolades.

Shan's reputation in the design art industry is a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. His extensive experience, creative vision, and contributions to international brand design projects have not only earned him recognition but have also left an indelible mark on the field.

India

Nidheesh Kavalan

Chief of User Interface Design, Nimo Planet

Nidheesh Kavalan is a strong creative person to solve the problems. Teams call him the perfectionist. He took the challenge to design an entirely new platform (Smart Glasses). As a leader, his quality reflects in simplifying the design, visual appearance, perfect color, and typography selection. But, most importantly, helping his team to grow. He comes up with ideas at light speed and creates quick prototypes to validate them, which is super important when designing a new platform. He enjoys solving problems and making beautiful products. His design quality and simplicity is appreciated by global companies including Apple.

United States

Lois He

Director and Creative Technologist, HYZ STUDIO LLC

Lois He is a Director and Creative Technologist at HYZ Studio, a multidisciplinary storyteller whose work spans film, games, live performance, and AI.

Merging cinematic language with real-time interactivity, she creates immersive experiences that blend sound, sensors, and spatial design to evoke emotion and invite participation.

Lois’s interactive and XR works have been featured at SIGGRAPH, SXSW Sydney, MIT, ARTECHOUSE NYC, La MaMa Gallery, the GEN-AI Summit, CICA Museum Korea, and the China AI Gala. Her short films have also screened at Festival de Cannes Rendez-Vous Industry, Beijing International Film Festival, and Tallinn Black Nights, earning recognition from international award programs.

India

Kiran Kumar C K

Senior UI Designer, Exemplifi

Kiran C K is a dedicated Designer entrusted with the task of addressing challenges and crafting aesthetically pleasing products and services for some of the world's most renowned brands.

In his role as a designer, he formulates concepts and strategies for intricate interactive projects. He is fervent about discovering optimal tools for translating content-driven visuals, visually captivating designs, intricate nuances, and adhering to brand guidelines, all while introducing innovative interfaces across diverse touchpoints.

Furthermore, he actively collaborates with clients, fostering strong partnerships to deliver strategic and emotionally compelling creative solutions that effectively meet business objectives. C K's dedication to his role as a Designer is unwavering, as he consistently strives to tackle complex challenges and produce exceptional design solutions. He approaches each project with a passionate commitment to crafting visually appealing and innovative designs that align with brand guidelines and resonate with audiences across various platforms.

United States

Anna Mader

SVP, Head of Creative, XD Agency

Anna Mader is the Head of Creative at XD Agency, an award-winning creative agency specializing in experiential design and production for industry-leading brands.

Anna is a passionate storyteller who has led the creation of immersive experiences for some of the world’s most iconic brands. As Head of Creative at XD Agency, she drives the agency’s creative vision, championing bold ideas and the strategic insight that fuel exceptional work. Beyond her leadership in concept and execution, Anna mentors and inspires her team, ensuring every project not only captivates audiences but also fulfills the client’s broader business goals.

Prior to XD Agency, Anna led experience design initiatives for globally recognized brands including Google, Amazon, Adobe, LinkedIn, AT&T, Visa, and YouTube, where she shaped engaging brand narratives and large-scale activations that connected deeply with audiences.

United States

Genda Lin

Digital Product Designer & Educator,

Genda Lin is a digital product designer and educator specializing in blending user insights, design strategy, brand culture, and emerging technologies to create meaningful and engaging digital experiences.

He previously served as Design Director at frog design in APAC, where he oversaw multidisciplinary teams and led groundbreaking innovation projects for Fortune 500 companies including Disney, Ford, LEGO, KFC, Michelin, L'Oréal, and Shiseido. In this role, he guided complex projects from strategy through execution, blending design thinking with emerging technologies to deliver impactful solutions across diverse industries.

He has taught innovation and design courses and served as a thesis mentor at renowned institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, and Tongji University, where he guided students in developing forward-thinking projects that bridge creativity, strategy, and emerging technologies.

United States

Xi Pang

Product UX Designer, IKEA

Xi Pang is a Product/UX Designer at IKEA, where he works on products that leverage 3D room scanning and computer vision to help tens of millions of customers worldwide reimagine their home furnishing experience.

Before joining IKEA, he contributed to projects at Microsoft, IBM, Bosch, and the United Nations, spanning mobile and web platforms across diverse domains including gamified learning, enterprise SaaS, robotics, Web3, and gig-service products.

Xi holds a master’s degree in Design Informatics from the University of Edinburgh and a second master’s in Human-Computer Interaction from the Georgia Institute of Technology, with a focus on HCI, UX design, and user research.

Throughout his career, Xi Pang has won 18 international design awards underscoring his track record of innovation and excellence across diverse design disciplines.

Singapore

Larry Lim

Motion Director, Anchor Agency Pte Ltd

Larry Lim is a Motion Director of Anchor Agency with over 7 years of experience in motion graphics, broadcast, production, branding & social platforms. Prior to the founding of Anchor Agency, Larry has been with Facebook, as well as multiple productions and post-production houses, hence expanding his expertise beyond just motion graphics but also how social media is able to integrate design into our daily lives.

With his strong interest in design & entrepreneurship, he decided to embark on a new journey by starting Anchor Agency to pursue his ambitions to new heights. Being the Motion Director of Anchor Agency, he has worked with established clients such as Meta, Zespri, TikTok, Singapore Tourism Board, Conde Nast - The New Yorker Lab, MSIG, and Benjamin Barker. On top of illustrated animation and motion graphic content that live in both 2D and 3D spaces, Anchor's works can be seen as constantly redefining the animation art form with experimentation on different media, such as digital stickers or augmented reality.

United States

Shimei Qiu

Product Designer, TikTok

Shimei Qiu is an accomplished UX and product designer with seven years of experience creating innovative, business-facing digital platforms and campaigns.

Specializing in complex business products, she has contributed to the TikTok ecosystem through initiatives like TikTok Spotlight and TikTok for Developers, delivering solutions that enhance usability and drive growth. Her research-driven design philosophy, grounded in social responsibility and business strategy, balances creativity, functionality, and outcomes. Internationally recognized for her work, she has also presented research at ICVR 2025, underscoring her thought leadership in the field.

Shimei is passionate about celebrating creative excellence and inspiring future designers, bringing innovation and strategic impact to recognizing outstanding achievements in design.

United States

Justin Ahrens

Chief Brand Officer, Rule29 Creative

With his extensive experience in the creative industry, Justin possesses a unique blend of talent, vision, and insight that would greatly benefit the judging panel. As the founder of Rule29 Creative and Chief Brand Officer of Marrow, he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of design principles, innovation, and effective storytelling. Ahrens' ability to push boundaries while maintaining a strong focus on purpose and impact makes him an ideal candidate to evaluate and recognize outstanding design work. His commitment to social responsibility and his dedication to fostering collaboration within the creative community further solidify his suitability as a judge.

United Kingdom

Graeme Hall

Founder & Creative Director, ifour creative agency

Graeme Hall is the founder of ifour Creative Agency, a multi-award-winning, innovative design studio based in the UK.

Established in 2006, ifour is recognized for delivering intelligent, insight-driven business solutions with creativity and integrity. With over 25 years of experience in the design industry, Graeme brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for purposeful, impactful design to his work.

The agency has had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional range of clients, creating work it is genuinely proud of while earning numerous industry accolades along the way. Its multidisciplinary expertise spans strategy, branding, web and print design, social media, marketing, animation, video production, and SEO, among many other creative and digital services. Graeme brings a strategic and thoughtful approach to every project he undertakes. His deep understanding of design, brand development, and digital innovation allows him to translate complex business goals into clear, compelling, and impactful creative solutions.

United States

Joaquin Lynch Garay

Associate Creative Director, Anomaly

Joaquin Lynch Garay holds the position of Associate Creative Director at Anomaly. He and his partner jointly run MUNILYNCH, where Garay serves as the Creative Director.

Prior to joining Anomaly, he held positions as Creative Director at Havas Worldwide New York and Leo Burnett Shanghai. Over the last decade, he has built his career at PONCE Buenos Aires, Lowe, DDB Buenos Aires, and Young & Rubicam. During this time, he breathed life into creative ideas for many prestigious brands such as Coca-Cola, Under Armour, Trident, Sonnet, NYC Football Club, Axe, Rexona, Impulse, PayPal, VW, Telefonica and a vast more, earning numerous international accolades along the way.

He is highly regarded in the creative industry for his exceptional expertise, known for his ability to bring innovative and award-winning campaigns to life. His talent and accomplishments have earned him a reputation as a luminary in the field.

United States

Brendan Amoruso

Founder, Producer and Video Editor, Luna Lyte

Brendan Amoruso, the creator of Luna Lyte, is a seasoned producer and video editor with a decade of expertise in crafting content for various mediums, including advertisements, documentaries, case studies, and feature films.

His distinctive artistic approach has gained global recognition and accolades, paving the way for collaborations with musicians, innovators, and artists. These partnerships aim to bring their fervor and transformative creations to life on screen, spanning across commercial projects, live events, and digital marketing initiatives.

In his view, the art of editing plays a pivotal role in determining the success or failure of a production, be it a podcast or a pilot. Frequently, he discovers innovative solutions during the course of a project, many of which only come to light through the process of experimentation and learning from mistakes.

United States

Min Lu

Marketing Manager, Meta

Min Lu, an artist based in New York and recognized with awards, has spent her life crafting a diverse array of artworks, from graphic design to painting and sketching.

Lu's graphic design is fueled by conceptual thinking, drawing from her dreams and feelings to shape a personal visual narrative through the use of line, color, and structure. She has spearheaded effective campaigns for global entities like NBC Universal, Goldman Sachs, Comcast, Charter Communications, Cox, and Discovery Financial Services.

Her creations have been showcased in locations like the United States, China, and Italy etc and was heavily featured in numerous social and traditional media outlets. She aims to invigorate, challenge, and contribute to the industry that helps brands engage with their audience creatively while expanding their business. Her expertise encompasses creative strategy, media and marketing execution, campaign planning, and achieving Key Performance Indicators.

Belgium

Sam De Win

Executive Creative Director, iO Belgium

Sam De Win, the Executive Creative Director of iO Belgium, began his professional journey nearly two decades ago as a copywriter. Over the years, he honed his craft at leading agencies including Euro RSCG United, Y&R, and BBDO, where his creative contributions left a lasting impact.

At Y&R, he co-created the iconic Devos & Lemmens campaign, a comedic radio series that’s remained popular for over 15 years. At BBDO, he wrote the script for Belgacom's TV spot 'Who took my badges,' 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 its first Cannes Lion. He later held the role at Serviceplan Benelux, earning multiple awards, before becoming Creative Director at Make Lemonade. His portfolio spans TV, print, radio, and digital, creating impactful work for Volvo, Mercedes, and Pepsi.

Chile

Pancho Gonzalez

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, Inbrax

Páncho Gonzalez is the Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Inbrax.

In his capacity as Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of a branding company, Gonzalez leads the development of strategic, story-driven brand experiences that connect creativity with measurable impact. He oversees the creation of integrated campaigns across digital and physical platforms, guiding teams in transforming ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. His expertise spans branded content, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, marketing strategy, and full-funnel planning, allowing him to shape solutions that align brand vision with performance and long-term growth.

He is recognized with honors from international award programs and serves as a mentor with Acción Emprendedora, Female Foundry, and Red de Mentores. He also teaches as an MBA Professor at Miami Ad School and Universidad de Santiago de Chile, hosts the #IABDigitalTalks podcast, and coaches emerging talent through programs such as LIASON and D&AD.

United States

Jarvis Grant

Creative Strategist and Imaging Specialist, Jarvis Grant Imaging

Jarvis Grant is a creative strategist, imaging specialist for Jarvis Grant Imaging which he solely manages and he is also a digital media instructor.

With more than 25 years of experience across various domains, including arts education, commercial photography, journalism, digital multimedia, and fine art, Grant has established himself as a recognized industry expert. He excels in crafting comprehensive solutions that integrate his extensive skillset. His professional journey is marked by his adept management of innovative models, consistently exceeding client expectations, expert project management, and collaborative application design sessions.

Grant is a dedicated advocate for ensuring that every team member's perspective is valued and considered during the design phase. He passionately champions the voices of both thought leaders and implementers throughout the entire process. Creates engaging content that harnesses the potential of creating dynamic digital media, ensuring that all stakeholders can derive value from it.

Italy

Patrizia Burra

Professional Photographer, Patrizia Burra Photography

Patrizia Burra is a renowned photographer that specializes in portraits and digital manipulation.
Over the course of her career, Burra has earned numerous international awards and honorable mentions. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications, and she has showcased her photography in both Italy and overseas. She holds the title of MQEP (Master Qualified European Photographer). This recognition is a testament to her exceptional talent and artistic vision.
Her work captures the beauty of the world around us, from the grandeur of nature to the intimate moments of everyday life. Her limited edition prints are highly sought after, as they are a one-of-a-kind piece of art that will last a lifetime. Her photography is a celebration of life, capturing the beauty of the world in a way that is both timeless and modern. Her limited edition prints are a perfect way to bring her art into your home.

Brazil

Felipe Paganoti

Senior Art Director, AlmapBBDO

Felipe Paganoti, art director from Rio with over 10 years of experience. He worked at Mullen Lowe, Artplan, Havas, BBDO Guatemala, VMLY & R and is currently at AmapBBDO in São Paulo.

He plays a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction and vision of the projects undertaken. His keen eye for design, innovative thinking, and ability to inspire the creative team contribute to the studio's ability to deliver captivating solutions for clients across a wide range of industries. He was vice-president of the Rio de Janeiro Creation Club and won several international awards.

He is committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, infusing each project with a distinct and captivating visual identity. He has an unceasing love for creative projects and an unwavering desire to embark on inventive and daring endeavors. Paganoti’s enthusiasm for crafting drives him to continuously explore imaginative and unconventional ideas, infusing his artistic pursuits with a spirit of innovation.

Switzerland

Birger Linke

Executive Creative Director, VML

Birger Linke holds the position of Executive Creative Director at VML where he also regularly delivers lectures on marketing and advertising in addition to his involvement in design projects.

As the Global Campaign Leader, he directs a diverse in-house team of creative and marketing professionals spanning offices in Geneva and London. Their mission is to introduce consciously crafted vegan chocolate and cookies, the first of their kind in Switzerland, to a global audience.

With two decades in the communication industry, Linke has worked on both agency and client sides as a creative and marketer for renowned organizations such as Springer & Jacoby, Saatchi & Saatchi, JWT, Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, and BBDO Interone. He founded TBWA\Vietnam and is a partner in the headphone startup Lynxsonic, earning him multiple awards for his dedication.

Singapore

Ronn Lee

Creative Partner, BEAMY

Ronn Lee is a versatile brand and design expert with two decades of experience in the field, spearheading projects in concept development, branding, graphic design, interactive media, and product innovation across various sectors.

As the co-founder and creative lead of BEAMY, a creative and branding agency with its main office in Shanghai and additional locations in Singapore and New York, she has showcased remarkable initiative. Her journey took her from Singapore to Shanghai, where she was inspired by the growing demand for creative and branding services in China, leading to the establishment of BEAMY. Before her time in Shanghai, Ronn served as an Art Director in Tokyo. Her professional path through Singapore, Japan, and China has provided her with a deep understanding of diverse work cultures and design approaches.

Ronn's contributions to the field have been recognized with over 100 international awards for design and creativity.

United States

Rocco Baldassarre

CEO and Founder, Zebra Advertisement

Rocco Baldassarre is recognized in the field of digital marketing, both as a consultant and as an enterprising founder of Zebra Advertisement, a distinguished digital marketing agency. He gained notoriety for securing the title of the youngest winner of the Google Partners All-Star at 24 and has been honored in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, alongside other global accolades that bolster his professional standing.

His consultancy work has attracted clients such as Bing Ads, and his insights have been highlighted in prominent media outlets including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and in oDesk's Annual Impact Report, among others.

His dedication to digital marketing shines through his early achievement as the youngest Google Partners All-Star Winner, showcasing his commitment to excellence at a young age. His pursuit of innovation to garner international awards, reflects his unwavering commitment to the field. His features in top-tier publications demonstrate his relentless drive to lead and evolve within the industry.

United States

Jonathan Winbush

Motion Graphic Artist, Winbush Immersive

Jonathan Winbush, a distinguished motion graphic artist, directs the creative brilliance of Winbush Immersive, his independently operated studio.

Winbush shapes immersive visual experiences that captivate audiences and brings to life a diverse range of projects that showcase his unique style and storytelling prowess. He has collaborated on numerous prestigious projects for renowned studios including Marvel, DC Comics, Warner Bros, Hasbro, Happy Madison, Discovery Channel, History Channel, and others. In 2011, he earned recognition as one of the top 25 artists in Hollywood and received multiple accolades and awards for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

His artistic contributions have gained acknowledgment in various publications and multiple art institute brochures. He has actively participated in public speaking engagements for institutions such as the Art Institute and Siggraph, while also contributing to The Rant Room Podcast. Jonathan has generously conducted free workshops for orphaned and homeless children through the Create Now Foundation.

Denmark

Klaus Sommer Paulsen

CEO and Founder, AdventureLAB

Klaus Sommer Paulsen has been active on several boards for years, including Themed Entertainment Association’s EME Division and International Board of Directors, and is working with educational institutions developing and designing educational programs from PBAs to MBAs. Klaus has been working with storytelling and media for more than 30 years and digital multimedia and experience design since the mid-1990s.

He is the author of Integrated Storytelling by Design: Concepts, Principles and Methods for New Narrative Dimensions, published with Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group in 2021.

For numerous years, Paulsen has been engaged on various boards, such as the Themed Entertainment Association’s EME Division and International Board of Directors. He collaborates with educational institutions to create and design educational programs spanning from PBAs to MBAs. With over three decades of experience in storytelling and media, he has been involved in digital multimedia and experience design since the mid-1990s.

United States

Takae Takahashi

SVP Associate Creative Director, Havas Health and You

Takae Takahashi, a Japanese Creative Art Director with Brazilian roots from Sao Paulo, currently operates out of New York City.

She brings more than ten years of experience in the creative field to the table, having earned multiple accolades. Takahashi's expertise lies in seamlessly merging creativity with strategic vision, crafting campaigns that garner critical acclaim within the industry.

Among her distinguished achievements, she has secured a victory at the inaugural Innovation Health Hackathon at the Cannes Lions Festival and contributed to her past agency’s recognition as “Best Healthcare Agency in Latin America”! Takahashi's unwavering commitment to creative excellence is evident in her collection of prestigious industry accolades. Her dedication to pushing boundaries in the creative realm has not only earned her a respected reputation but also significantly advanced the agencies she's worked with. Her relentless pursuit of innovation in the healthcare sector particularly underscores her passion for leveraging creativity to drive meaningful impact.

Costa Rica

Oscar Solano Brenes

Executive Creative and Digital Director, Porter Novelli

Oscar Solano Brenes is the Chief Creative Officer for the strategic-creative firm, Porter Novelli.

He is a general leader of the creative and digital unit for the region of Central America, Mexico, Caribbean, Ecuador, and Peru; a believer in data-driven creativity, measurement, and innovation through 13 years of experience with global and regional brands such as Coca-Cola, Heineken, BMW, Toyota, American Express, Samsung, Netflix and more!

He is an advertising, marketing, and strategy professional with experience as a senior strategic trigger in creative, digital, and media agencies with experience in strategic planning, content strategy, detection of opportunities, social media, branding, data-driven strategy, and creativity. Brenes is passionate about reading cultural behaviors and transforming them into business opportunities. He is also a faithful follower of data and its implementation in communication and performance strategies. He has had experience leading planning, digital and creative units at firms such as DDB, Havas, Findasense, and Ketchum.

United States

Jeanette Jolley

Creative Director and Director of Production, Camping World

With a wealth of experience spanning more than twenty years in the television industry, Jeanette Jolley stands as a seasoned professional. She is currently the Creative Director and Director of Production at Camping World.

Her career trajectory began at Paramount Pictures, where she swiftly garnered a reputation as a get-it-done creative, propelling her towards producing numerous national television broadcasts across esteemed networks such as ABC, CBS, TLC, FOX, HGTV, Discovery, NBC, and Paramount.

In her portfolio, she highlights notable projects, including the 2x award-Winning ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Emmy-nominated ABC's Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin. Her experience extends to impactful programming like CNBC's Blue Collar Millionaires, Netflix specials, Sessions live music specials, and Audience Network music documentaries. She has also shown leadership in commercial and branded entertainment projects, collaborating with esteemed brands such as Chevrolet, La-Z-Boy, Kraft, Hilton, Marriott and Rhone.

United States

Edgar Hernandez

Creative Director, BARÚ Advertising

Edgar Hernandez is the creative director of BARÚ Advertising with over 20 years of experience in advertising in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Hernandez excels in concept development and creative direction across a broad spectrum of advertising and marketing mediums, encompassing traditional and digital channels. He oversees and guides creative professionals in areas like copywriting, design, and production, ensuring the delivery of original and effective content. His expertise spans various media formats, from Radio and TV scripts to Social Media and Digital marketing materials.

Hernandez's role involves translating and customizing general market concepts and scripts from English to Spanish. He oversees the conceptualization, development, and full production process of all his projects, ensuring end-to-end project management. He maintains close collaboration with various agency departments, working closely with the planning and production teams. He possesses leadership qualities and serves as a creative and innovative mentor.

United States

Vitaliy Yakin

CEO, Creative Art Director and Motion Graphic Designer, Vitaliy Yakin

Vitaliy Yakin has amassed nearly 15 years of experience in computer graphics and motion design.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous international projects and has been featured as a speaker at various global events. In addition to his hands-on work, Yakin possesses teaching experience and has often served as an expert for diploma defenses and certifications at an art college. His client portfolio includes prominent names such as Apple, Microsoft, Logitech, SAMSUNG, various automobile brands, and IT corporations. He also brings extensive experience from working in television, music shows, and the film industry.

Yakin's career in computer graphics and motion design is a vivid reflection of his immense dedication and passion. His tireless commitment to the craft is evident not only in his professional pursuits with leading companies like Apple and Microsoft but also in his eagerness to mentor upcoming talent in the industry.

Malaysia

Jae Leong

Judging Committee Chairperson, International Awards Associate (IAA)

Jae Leong is the accomplished chairperson of IAA’s extensive judging committee.

As the chairperson, Leong assumes a leadership role, guiding the organization and spearheading initiatives to uphold quality and creative excellence in critical areas such as design, creative advertising, marketing communications, video production, and business. Additionally, she serves as a key award representative at IAA, consistently demonstrating success in overseeing assessments throughout her career.

She prioritizes the coordination of strategic arrangements among various jury panels, establishing herself as a standout figure in the industry. Demonstrating a keen sense of management, Leong has executed her role with precision, ensuring that each participant receives fair evaluations and unbiased assessments, underscoring the significance of integrity in maintaining the credibility of the judging outcomes. Furthermore, her collaboration with professionals globally has positioned her at the forefront of specialization, enabling the development of exceptional communication and relationship management skills.

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.

United States

Kushal Birari

Creative, Mother New York

Kushal Birari is a creative at Mother, one of the world’s most respected, independent creative companies.

Having worked in five prominent cities across three continents, he has made a significant impact through his art direction and design. He has left an indelible mark on numerous international brands, including OREO, MINI Cooper, Make in India, FIFA, Bosch, Instagram, and more. His recent noteworthy contribution to the OREO Pride campaign has garnered widespread attention, resonating with diverse communities globally and earning recognition through various national and international accolades. Birari excels in creative direction, advertising, ideas development, art direction, and creative strategy, showcasing a comprehensive skill set in the realm of visual communication and strategic brand development.

His proficiency in his role is evident through the impactful influence he has wielded on major international brands, demonstrating a keen understanding of art direction and design and His ability to resonate with diverse audiences.

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.

South Korea

Yeon Yoon

General Manager in Marketing, Humedix

Yeon Yoon, based in Los Angeles, is a creative professional working as an Art Director at Amazon, where he leads a variety of global campaigns and marketing projects.

His career started at Elephant, a fast-expanding digital agency, where he worked as an Art Director on projects for clients like Apple, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, and Comcast. Afterward, he relocated to Los Angeles to join Grey West, contributing to campaigns for Amazon, AWS, and Hasbro. Subsequently, Yoon took up a role at Snap Inc., where he concentrated on incorporating Augmented Reality into branding and marketing strategies.

While studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York, he stood out as a highly awarded student, garnering numerous accolades. His dedication to his craft is exemplified by his progressive career trajectory, moving from roles in dynamic agencies to leading significant projects at Amazon, all driven by his commitment to excellence in art direction and design.

Germany

Claudia Goergen

Managing Director, FILMUNIQUE Medienproduktion, GmbH

Claudia Goergen serves as the Managing Director of FILMUNIQUE Medienproduktion GmbH and boasts an extensive professional background spanning various media sectors.

With numerous years of professional experience in public relations, web development, and film production, Goergen has held pivotal roles within companies and contributed to various enterprises. Her expertise extends beyond recognizing the potential strengths of a campaign; she also possesses a discerning eye for identifying its shortcomings, whether related to feasibility or the ability to reach the intended target audiences. Her multifaceted experience equips her with a holistic understanding of media and communication.

She plays a vital role in establishing an atmosphere where every team member is encouraged to bring their distinct contributions, recognizing that this inclusive strategy is what drives innovation and the emergence of new concepts. The team excels at embracing individuality, promoting mutual respect, and nurturing trust among its members.

United States

Michael J. Russo

Chief Creative Officer, brandRUSSO

Michael Russo is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of brandRUSSO, a strategic branding agency established in 2001. As a global award-winning art director, copywriter, and designer, Michael brings more than 20 years of creative experience working with an international roster of clients across a wide variety of industries and markets.

As Chief Creative Officer, Michael works closely with clients and internal teams to bring brand voices to life through both messaging and design. His specialty lies in translating strategy into creative that creates emotional connections and real differentiation, ensuring brands are not just seen, but believed.

In addition to his work with clients, Michael has served as a judge for both national and international marketing, advertising, and branding competitions, evaluating brand strategy, creative execution, and effectiveness across multiple industries. He is the creative force behind brandRUSSO’s Razor Branding™ process, a published author, and co-host of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, where he challenges conventional thinking around branding and what it actually takes to build brands that change the conversation.

United States

Olivia Santilli

Partner, Cummins&Partners

Olivia Santilli has established a venture at Cummins&Partners New York that consistently exceeds anticipations, thanks to her unwavering resolve.

She has infused an unstoppable and positive energy throughout the agency, influencing their work, client interactions, and creative output. Her fostering of a problem-solving environment has built a solid and positive reputation, central to their ongoing expansion. she has strengthened her role as a guide in shaping cultural trends. Consequently, she is in high demand as a market innovator and frequently invited to speak at industry events, discussing the core values of the emerging generation and how creative agencies are adapting to the contemporary landscape of constant engagement and the purpose-oriented demands of customers.

In October 2020, despite the challenges of a global economic crisis, Cummins&Partners New York achieved a place in the top Adweek 100: Fastest Growing Companies worldwide, boasting a three-year revenue increase of 111%.

Ecuador

Jimmy Landaburu

Digital Creative Director, Ludikom

As a Creative Director at Ludikom, Jimmy leads a team of talented designers, writers, and strategists to deliver innovative and engaging digital campaigns for clients across various industries. With over nine years of experience in the advertising field, he has developed a strong passion for creative ideation, communication, and writing, and a keen eye for design and 3D composition.

Throughout his career, Jimmy has had the opportunity to work in some of Ecuador's top agencies, as well as in Argentina and Brazil, and to collaborate with global brands and organizations. He has also received multiple awards and recognitions in national and international advertising festivals, such as New York Festivals, Ojo de Iberoamérica, Festival del Caribe, and more. Additionally, he has enhanced his skills and knowledge by obtaining certifications in storytelling and creative thinking from prestigious institutions, such as 42courses.

Jimmy enjoys sharing his expertise and insights as an online teacher, a mentor, and a jury member in various creative platforms and events. His mission is to inspire, empower, and challenge himself and others to create impactful and meaningful work.

United States

Shangning Wang

Design Project Specialist at UNDP, United Nations Children's Fund

Shangning Wang is a New York-based award-winning graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative. He focuses on commercial art, typography, illustration, branding, and poster art.

In the past few years, he also received more than twenty global awards for his work. His works were exhibited in many cities around the world. His design works have been published in many design magazines and featured on more than thirty graphic design blogs. His work has currently been featured by the Adobe InDesign 2020 as the Splash Screen.

Wang's passion for design is unwavering, driving him to continuously push creative boundaries and explore new artistic horizons. His dedication to the craft is evident in the more than twenty global awards he has earned, showcasing his commitment to excellence. With a firm belief that good design has the power to make a positive impact on the world, he infuses his work with boundless enthusiasm, dreams, and love.

Pakistan

Fizza Shah

Executive Creative Director, Grey Pakistan

Fizza Shah holds the position of Executive Creative Director at Grey Pakistan.
Shah is celebrated for her extraordinary capacity to introduce novel and unconventional concepts, and she has masterminded inventive marketing approaches for numerous distinguished Pakistani brands, such as Tapal, National Foods, Continental Biscuits, and Dalda Foods, to name a few.
She is also known for her tireless work ethic. She personally oversees the creative development for leading brands, ensuring that each project receives her undivided attention and expertise. Her dedication to excellence and hands-on approach have been instrumental in driving the success of these brands.

Pakistan

Muhammad Ali Khan

Brand Strategist,

Muhammad Ali Khan is a brand strategist by heart with creativity running through his veins.

As a prominent figure in Pakistan's advertising sector, Khan frequently writes for Aurora Magazine, the country's leading publication in advertising and marketing, and also for Synergyzer Magazine. Renowned for his insight-driven concepts, he has crafted communications for major brands like Colgate, Caltex, Yamaha, Pakistan State Oil, UNICEF, KFC, among others.

He has been honored with multiple awards where his piece 'Orchestrating Brand Experiences' achieved a Highly Commendable status in 2022. He is a Visiting Faculty member at SZABIST and Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Pakistan, teaching creative strategy and digital marketing. Khan demonstrates his dedication through his influential work in the Pakistani advertising industry.

Brazil

Daniel da Hora

Professor, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Daniel da Hora is a highly acclaimed graphic designer known for his numerous awards and achievements in the field. He wears multiple hats as a creative and art director, an innovator, an accomplished author, and a dedicated professor.

Considered one of the most influential figures of his generation, da Hora brings two decades of expertise to his name. Beyond his many contributions to the advertising, marketing, and design industries, he also thrives as a visual artist, showcasing his work in both group and solo exhibitions across countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, England, France, and the United States.

He is a dedicated leader and mentor, known for innovation and results-driven approaches. With extensive experience in managing complex creative projects from start to finish, he combines graphic design, art direction, product, and business insights, fostering creativity, technology, and innovation. He inspires individuals and teams, leading by example.

Canada

Steve Savic

EVP, Executive Creative Director, Critical Mass

As the EVP, Executive Creative Director for digital experience design agency Critical Mass, Steve Savic has been creating breakthrough experiences that span the entire digital spectrum for over 20 years.

His expertise in branding, motion design, and creative use of technology allows him to turn a single idea into a cutting-edge digital experience that puts people right in the action -- transforming the way consumers interact with brands and creating deep and meaningful connections in the process. Throughout his career, he has been called on to create these immersive brand experiences and integrated campaigns for notable brands such as Dell, Apple, Rolex, Nike, AT&T, and Nissan, which have earned him dozens of industry awards. His work in the digital space has received accolades from programs.

Savic’s results-focused tactics put technology into the hands of consumers and create the interactive moment - the “sweet spot” - between the customer and client.