2025 Judging Comments
“Culture is social-first, creator-first – that’s the reality of our world, which also makes it the reality of our work. Every day, agencies and brands are reforging creativity through this incredible framing – pushing our industry in real time, more than ever before. Needless to say, I am stoked to chair LIA’s Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers Jury alongside global colleagues who are just as excited by the direction we’re headed.”
Jao Bautista
Non-Traditional
Executive Creative Director
Propel Manila
Manila
"My first time judging at LIA felt like watching the movie adaptation of a novel I’ve always loved—and then being pleasantly surprised that the film turns out even better than the book.
Before coming to LIA, I already had an idea of what makes it unique. Fellow Filipinos who’d judged before, often spoke about its transparency (where media and LIAisons can sit in and observe the face-to-face deliberations), its diverse juries, and its no-pre-judging format, meaning the entire jury reviews every entry together. That was the book version.
What I didn’t expect was the level of intentionality, thoughtfulness, and care behind all those principles. And this mattered to me - not because those things are merely ‘a nice touch,’ but because they create the kind of environment where someone like me, a Southeast Asian, Filipino, gay, first-time LIA juror, can feel seen, heard, and encouraged to use my voice in the room.
And just like that great movie adaptation you didn’t see coming, this first-time LIA experience didn’t just live up to the story I’d heard, it gave me something even better: a front-row seat to what global creative judging can really be when it’s done ‘Created For Creatives’ style."
Before coming to LIA, I already had an idea of what makes it unique. Fellow Filipinos who’d judged before, often spoke about its transparency (where media and LIAisons can sit in and observe the face-to-face deliberations), its diverse juries, and its no-pre-judging format, meaning the entire jury reviews every entry together. That was the book version.
What I didn’t expect was the level of intentionality, thoughtfulness, and care behind all those principles. And this mattered to me - not because those things are merely ‘a nice touch,’ but because they create the kind of environment where someone like me, a Southeast Asian, Filipino, gay, first-time LIA juror, can feel seen, heard, and encouraged to use my voice in the room.
And just like that great movie adaptation you didn’t see coming, this first-time LIA experience didn’t just live up to the story I’d heard, it gave me something even better: a front-row seat to what global creative judging can really be when it’s done ‘Created For Creatives’ style."
Stephanie Berman
Jury President - Health & Wellness
Global Chief Creative Officer
The Bloc
“I am thrilled to be chairing the Health & Wellness jury this year. We’ve seen such amazing work in this space over the last few years, and the bar continues to rise, with all kinds of companies looking to drive positive change in the service of good health. This is a show that not only operates with integrity, but gives back in very meaningful way to up and coming talent in our industry, so I’m particularly looking forward to celebrating what’s new and what’s next with the jury at LIA this year.
Clearly, we were excited to be in Vegas. And yes, we were excited to serve as the Health & Wellness Jury at this year’s LIA. But what had us most excited? All the great work that’s doing good in the world. My fellow jurors, it was an honor and a pleasure. LIA team, you are all amazing. And to the winners, a huge congratulations, and here’s to another year of awesome ahead.”
Thasorn (Pete) Boonyanate
TV & Cinema and Online Film
Chief Creative Officer
BBDO Bangkok
Bangkok
“It’s amazing that the Creative LIAisons attendees were given such a rare opportunity to watch the debate unfold up close as we evaluate the work. I wish I’d had something like this when I was starting out.”
Gavin Chimes
Jury President - Creativity In B2B and Transformative Business Impact
Chief Creative Officer
Howatson+Company
Sydney
“Wrapped an incredible week at LIA - London International Awards as Jury President for Creativity in B2B and Transformative Business Impact. We saw big ideas, brave thinking and work with a surprising amount of heart. The kind that doesn’t just sell things but changes how companies behave and industries move.
Gone are the days where B2B is looked down upon as a creative category. It’s now where the world’s most inspiring and enviable work is entered. Just look at Spotify’s Spreadbeats or the Aizome’s Wastecare. Brilliant ideas that drip with craft and strategic thinking. I’m honoured to be chairing the jury for Creativity in B2B and Transformative Business Impact this year. I look forward to the lively discussions with some of the best minds in the industry, as we unpack the work that moves businesses, brands and creativity itself forward.
Loved every minute in the jury room with Fernando Pellizzaro, Emiliano Gonzalez De Pietri, Rosie Gentile, Bill Yom and Ariba Jahan. A talented, passionate, genuinely kind group of humans. The debate was sharp, the energy inspiring.
Also loved sharing a stage with Samira Ansari, Rob Doubal, Shayne Millington and Fura Johannesdottir. Seriously impressive creative leaders. Nicked a few good tips from all of you.
Thank you Barbara Levy, Terry Savage, Laurissa Levy and Patricia Censoprano for having me.
You’ve got something really special going on.”
Linda Cronin
Jury President - Creativity In Media
EVP, Global Media
Monks
“Media performance and digital growth have become increasingly reliant on thumb-stopping ad creative, and it's leading to more collaboration than ever before, between media buyers, designers and creative strategists. I'm honored to be part of the jury panel for LIA's 2025 Creativity In Media award to help recognize creative excellence that is making Media more effective and more impactful on the bottom line.”
"It’s been such an honor to be part of this year’s inaugural Creativity in Media awards. This year's entries are a testament to the power of brilliant execution, showcasing a wealth of truly great media uses that bring the creative to life in unique, engaging, and unforgettable ways."
Candice Dragonas
Jury President - Production & Post-Production and Music Video
VP, Talent Strategy / Executive Producer
PRETTYBIRD
"Day one in Vegas has been incredibly productive! Our esteemed jury dove deep into some truly inspiring work across the Production and Post-Production categories. The level of craft we've seen so far is very impressive. I'm feeling energized by the work on display and looking forward to the conversations still to come.”
Gabriela Guerra
Health & Wellness-Craft and Pharma & Medical-Craft
Creative Director
Havas Life
São Paulo
“Participating in the LIA's Health and Pharma craft jury for 2025 was an extraordinary experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I hope my contributions and perspectives were valuable to the process.
The organization of the event was impeccable, and the accommodations exceeded expectations. I was fortunate to receive an upgrade to a spacious suite. Many of the entries were truly outstanding, and the team in my category comprised exceptionally professional individuals with extensive knowledge.”
The organization of the event was impeccable, and the accommodations exceeded expectations. I was fortunate to receive an upgrade to a spacious suite. Many of the entries were truly outstanding, and the team in my category comprised exceptionally professional individuals with extensive knowledge.”
Ariba Jahan
Creativity In B2B and Transformative Business Impact
Head of Transformation, NA
Anomaly
New York
“Awards don’t just celebrate creativity. They decide what gets rewarded and what becomes a case study in our industry. That choice matters.
This week, at the LIA, I judged Creativity in B2B and Transformative Business Impact reviewing 100+ submissions across finance, healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, sustainability, and more. Work designed to shift not just brands, but behavior, systems, and society.
The jury process has been rigorous. Every juror saw every entry. We debated. We questioned. I was lucky to do it alongside Gavin, Emiliano, Fernando, Bill, and Rosie, each bringing sharp and nuanced lenses to the table.
I also mentored emerging creatives through the Creative LIAisons program, where conversations have been candid, bold, and ambitious.
Here’s what stood out this year: work with impact, intention, problem-solving, and the courage to push boundaries on the edge of creativity and what we accept as systems and norms. That’s the standard worth setting.
Excited to bring this energy back to Anomaly , where defying norms is part of our DNA.
Grateful to my fellow jurors, mentees and the LIA organizers for creating the space for it and Beth & Kara for making it happen.”
James Keng Lim
Creative Strategy
Creative Director (APAC)
Burson APAC
“What happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, but I simply have to spill the beans on this one!
It was an absolute privilege and pure pleasure to trade the usual Sin City shenanigans for some serious strategic scrutiny, serving on the jury for The London International Awards in the Creative Strategy category.
And talk about a masterclass! Sharing a table (and more than a few laughs) with some bona fide industry legends, Sandi Preston, Haem Roy, Simon Langley, Menaka Menon, Ben Williams, Andrea Diquez, Maximilian Florian Schöngen, Suzanne Powers, Esther (ET) Franklin and Nicholas Spiro. Their insights were as sharp as their wit. We delved into work that didn't just push boundaries, but practically redrew the map.
The sheer ingenuity and strategic foresight on display were truly inspiring, reminding us all that the best ideas aren't just creative, they're brilliantly calculated.
Huge thanks to LIA, Barbara Levy, Laurissa Levy and Terry Savage for the incredible invitation and the chance to be part of such a prestigious, thought-provoking process. My brain is still buzzing – and not just from the desert heat!”
Peter Khoury
Jury President - Branded Content and Branded Entertainment
Regional Chief Creative Officer
TBWA\Asia
Chief Creative Officer
TBWA\Singapore
“Thank you, LIA for the opportunity to be Jury President for Branded Entertainment and Branded Content at LIA. Big ups to your process and how you run your show. Love that all jury members see and vote for the work without a shortlisting jury - it allowed all of us to dive deep into the categories and entries, and appreciate all their nuances. Also appreciated that there was no recommendation on how many awards we should give, it gave us the freedom to decide for ourselves.
To Liz Taylor, Perry Fair, Chaka Shobani and Gabriel Schmitt it was a fulfilling experience sitting on a panel with you, sharing all the things that come with being a CCO, to an audience of young, hungry and motivated LIA mentees from around the world.
To my Entertainment jury thank you for the great experience, meaningful discussions and insightful povs. Richard Brim, Liz Taylor , Perry Fair, Nopparath Eksuwancharoen ‘Mint’, Isabel Fontes , Gabriel Jardim , Suz Keen, Yuichi Kitada , Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce and Aldo Ramírez Zerón (Coco). It’s not often that you get to sit in a jury made up entirely of creatives, let alone creatives of all your calibre. I know the work benefitted enormously because of this, and I believe most people who see what we awarded will nod their heads in agreement.
The Branded Content and Branded Entertainment category is where a brand becomes more than just a message. It becomes an entertainer, a force in culture.
It was a great day absorbing creative expressions from brands showing up boldly, confidently, and authentically, taking on many different shapes and forms.
It was also a unique experience voting and discussing all the metals in front of 20-30 LIA Creative LIAisons mentees. I am sure that will have a positive and lasting effect on all of them.”
Shinichi Kobayashi
Evolution and Creative Use of Data
Executive Creative Director /
Digital Growth Officer
ADK
Tokyo
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the incredible experience at LIA this year.
It was truly special to be part of a festival built on pure passion — not profit — and to feel the energy of people who genuinely care about creativity and each other.
Being surrounded by such amazing talent and spirit reminded me why I love this industry so much.
Being surrounded by such amazing talent and spirit reminded me why I love this industry so much.
The experience has already sparked new ideas, fresh motivation, and wonderful connections that continue to inspire my work.
I deeply resonate with LIA’s mission and I am sharing that spirit here in Japan through platforms like Agenda Note and other creative communities.
I deeply resonate with LIA’s mission and I am sharing that spirit here in Japan through platforms like Agenda Note and other creative communities.
I hope more people here will come to know how meaningful LIA truly is.
Thank you again LIA for everything you do.”
Thank you again LIA for everything you do.”
Dan Lucey
Jury President - TV & Cinema and Online Film
Chief Creative Officer and Co-CEO
Havas
New York
"It’s been a couple years since TV film and cinema has dominated media buys, so it’s good to see it’s still as disruptive, entertaining and engaging as it’s ever been. Lots of strong entries.”
Steve Martin
Jury President - Health & Wellness-Craft and Pharma & Medical-Craft
Creative Director – EMEA & Global
Syneos Health
“I am deeply honored to chair this year’s Health & Wellness-Craft and Pharma & Medical-Craft jury at LIA. Craft is at the heart of powerful storytelling, and these categories continue to push creative boundaries year after year. LIA provides a platform to recognize and celebrate the highest standards of craftsmanship, shining a light on work that not only inspires but also demonstrates the transformative power of our industry.
I’m looking forward to thought-provoking discussions with fellow industry leaders, dissecting the details that elevate great work to truly exceptional. I anticipate seeing groundbreaking ideas, meticulous execution, and emotionally resonant storytelling, work that redefines how we communicate in health and wellness.”
I’m looking forward to thought-provoking discussions with fellow industry leaders, dissecting the details that elevate great work to truly exceptional. I anticipate seeing groundbreaking ideas, meticulous execution, and emotionally resonant storytelling, work that redefines how we communicate in health and wellness.”
Andy Mathurin
Pharma & Medical
Creative Director
Heartbeat
New York
“There's a special kind of electricity in a room when passionate experts debate not just what is creative, but why it matters. I felt that all week judging the Pharma & Medical category at the London International Awards. From dissecting nuanced details to celebrating bold ideas, it was a masterclass in perspective. A sincere thank you to our Jury President, Lauren Naima, for guiding such insightful discussions.
The camaraderie with this group: Brett O'Connor, Praful Akali, Sarah Amatori, Sara Teves Badr, Gail Cheung, R. John Fidelino, Najwa Sebbahi, David Leonardi, and everyone in the room was the secret ingredient. We arrived as industry peers and left as a united team, proud of the work we championed.
And of course, thank you to LIA’s entire team for orchestrating such a meaningful experience. The work celebrated here is a powerful reminder of the creativity dedicated to healing.”
Tara McKenty
Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers
Executive Creative Director AU/NZ
AKQA
Sydney
“Every year the bar gets higher. It’s thrilling to watch mentees solve problems with fresh thinking, often in ways even seasoned pros wouldn’t consider.
“Give it your best shot. We’ll bring your best ideas to life. You never know, it might just win a Grand LIA next year.”
Menaka Menon
Creative Strategy
President / Managing Partner –
Growth & Strategy
DDB Mudra Group
Bangalore
"The LIA - London International Awards experience was unparalleled.
Taking the time to go through ALL of the entries together as a jury, looking at work of such a high calibre, the conversations and points of view in the room, all of it made for such an engaging few days. There is much I will take back from there.
The highlight for me personally, was getting to review and discuss all the work with my co-jurors - a diverse group of highly seasoned and discerning creative minds. Thanks you Sandi Preston, Suzanne Powers, Andrea Diquez, Esther (ET) Franklin, Haem Roy, Ben Williams, Simon Langley, Maximilian Florian Schöngen, James Keng Lim, Nicholas Spiro.
This is an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Thanks to Barbara Levy, Terry Savage, Patricia Censoprano, Laurissa Levy Christina Shaw for making LIA all that it is."
Taking the time to go through ALL of the entries together as a jury, looking at work of such a high calibre, the conversations and points of view in the room, all of it made for such an engaging few days. There is much I will take back from there.
The highlight for me personally, was getting to review and discuss all the work with my co-jurors - a diverse group of highly seasoned and discerning creative minds. Thanks you Sandi Preston, Suzanne Powers, Andrea Diquez, Esther (ET) Franklin, Haem Roy, Ben Williams, Simon Langley, Maximilian Florian Schöngen, James Keng Lim, Nicholas Spiro.
This is an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Thanks to Barbara Levy, Terry Savage, Patricia Censoprano, Laurissa Levy Christina Shaw for making LIA all that it is."
Thomas Mueller
Jury President - Design and Package Design
Global Head of Design /
Chief Design Officer, EMEA
Accenture Song
“I am truly inspired by the approach LIA is taking to awards. Bringing together the celebration of best-in-class work across the globe while investing in the next generation of creatives. This approach aligns with my personal belief that as industry leaders we have a shared responsibility to steer the future of our industry and its talent. What’s so wonderful about these categories is that the things we’re judging cross the thresholds into most people’s homes, and that’s a privilege that demands the highest quality design and care. I am thrilled to contribute my time and experience to the Design and Package Design jury and by extension to the broader mission of the LIA. I am looking forward to the exchange, discussion and dialogue with exceptional jury colleagues, representing a global view.
I had the honor to lead the 2025 Design and Package Design jury at LIA. Together with Emma Barratt, Ally Behr, Patrick Bennett, Lisa Careborg, Theo Gibson, Vanessa Queiroz, Alexandra Taylor, Cat van der Werff, and Naonori Yago, we judged everything onsite together, to reveal the world’s best work across these two categories after several days of live judging.
After meeting our all-star eclectic slate of design and packaging design jurors, we started the exhilarating day 1 of diving individually into the deep pool of work - nice, diverse, surprising and stage. We are all looking forward to starting the best part of judging- the group discussions. Wrapped the evening with the obligatory El Gordo Tacos, ready for Day 2.”
Together we celebrated outstanding work in Design with a Grand LIA, 12 Gold, 17 Silver and 25 Bronze Statues, in addition to recognizing 10 Finalists. The Grand LIA goes to campaign “Caption with Intention“, an outstanding piece of work, that transforms captions with creativity and technology, that haven’t changed since first being introduced in 1971.
Together we celebrated outstanding work in Design with a Grand LIA, 12 Gold, 17 Silver and 25 Bronze Statues, in addition to recognizing 10 Finalists. The Grand LIA goes to campaign “Caption with Intention“, an outstanding piece of work, that transforms captions with creativity and technology, that haven’t changed since first being introduced in 1971.
The Package Design category honors the most innovative, exceptionally crafted, and beautifully executed packaging designs from around the globe. Also, here we celebrated outstanding ideas awarding one Grand LIA, three Gold, four Silver and four Bronze Statues, alongside one Finalist. After rounds of thorough evaluation, the highly coveted Grand LIA was awarded "Glowing Relief" created for Alivia Health.
Additionally I had a chance to share our Accenture Song Life Trends 2025 as part of the Creative LIAisons Global Coaching Academy, which was a lot of fun as the ballroom was filled with an audience of young creative professionals from across the world. Throughout the year I already volunteered time to 1:1 coaching sessions, which turned out to be such great conversations, filled with an even value-exchange.
Finally another highlight was a conversation about creativity with Simone Nobili for his upcoming podcast series Gems From the Sea.
Thank you Barbara Levy, Terry Savage and Laurissa Levy for having me back. I look forward to future collaborations.”
Burkhard Müller
Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers
Chief Digital Officer
Mutabor
Hamburg
“I've just returned from this year’s LIAs. After a whole week of discussions with industry leaders from around the world about what constitutes the best work of the year, I come away with one conviction: Creative work is increasingly judged by its measurable impact on business outcomes. Creativity is no “beautiful extra” – it's the strategic asset that drives growth and differentiation for brands. In five years, the most successful brands won’t be the ones with the biggest budgets, but the ones that treat creativity as their most valuable economic force. (More on this soon).
A huge thank you to the amazing team at LIA for creating such an inspiring platform.
And of course to our Jury President, Samira Ansari and to my fellow jurors Thomas Hongtack Kim, Tara Mckenty, Elizabeth Nguyen Son, Katariina Ollari, Matt Watson, Dogura Kozonoe, Fura Johannesdottir and especially Anthony Yell for showing us old Vegas. Incredible people, great discussions and lots of fun. Hope to see you all again!”
Carren O’Keefe
Evolution and Creative Use of Data
Chief Creative Officer
Digitas
London
“One of the things I love so much about this show is the LIAisons program. The fact that LIA brings young talent here to Vegas as we're doing the judging and they get to sit in on the jury rooms and hear the conversation is such a unique experience and I think being able to continue giving back to the next generation, because without that, what what's the point? The thing I love about evolution and creative use of data in terms of the category and judging, is evolution is really about things that make you rethink what our industry does. It's not about campaigns. It's not about technology. It's truly what is evolutionary in terms of where we're going and creative use of data. I mean data is just information and t's how you use that in an interesting way. At LIA it would be a really interesting set of data to share with young talent to say this is what the senior leaders are talking about, but also this is how they have a good time when they're out of the office, because it's really fun to be able to come here to talk about the work at this level that we don't normally get to do, but do it in a place like Vegas where we are quite literally and figuratively away from the real world, where we are here suspended from our responsibilities and our real lives for a minute and just focusing on the work and imagining sort of what we can do next.”
Sandi Preston
Jury President - Creative Strategy
Chief Strategy Officer
Translation - Division of UnitedMasters
Brooklyn
“Early in my career as a strategist, I was given a piece of advice that has stayed with me: one of the true marks of a great leader is the ability to bring people along with you. I’ve come to understand this not merely as a lesson in persuasion, but as a lesson in attunement — creating a connection so that others feel inspired by, and a part of, the direction that I'm guiding. This wisdom has been central to my work every day in my role as Chief Strategy Officer at Translation, as well as, in countless other areas of my life when relating to and motivating people is at the heart of what I do. With great enthusiasm, I look forward to applying this wisdom as the 2025 LIA Jury President for Creative Strategy.”
"I walked into day one prepared to judge work as marketing and its impact, but left out realizing this is truly an assessment of creativity -- and its impact. In this more expansive view, impact doesn't come down to simply KPIs and vanity metrics. Did they run at the problem? Did running at the problem reveal an undeniable truth? Did that truth lead to a compelling solution? When the answer to all three is yes, the strategy and the creative idea are nearly inextricable...which makes judging this category equal parts challenging and inspiring in its coherence."
Pedro Sattin
Integration and Direct
Creative Director
DAVID New York
New York
Gabriel Schmitt
Jury President - Evolution and Creative Use of Data
Global Chief Creative Officer
Grey
"There are writer's writers, and for creatives, there are the LIAs. For that reason alone, it is an honor to chair any category there. Now, the opportunity to help shape the conversation around the most innovative work, on Evolution, and how Data informs and shapes amazing ideas in the Creative Use of Data category – is too good. I'm excited to jump in and help point out where our industry is headed.
On Day 1 we saw a great range of ideas - from Telco antennas helping spot wildfires, to videogame’s heat helping save cold pizzas. Great range. Couldn’t have asked for a more fun day.
Letting the next generation sit in on LIA Statue discussions is a rare gift. They’re not just seeing how work gets judged; they’re learning how to make a case, debate with passion, and respect opposing views. Those are skills that will power their entire careers.”
Lucas Sfair
Jury President - Music & Sound
CEO / Head of Audio
Bumblebeat
São Paulo
"Being invited to serve as Jury President for LIA 2025 is both an honor and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. Having experienced LIA both as an award recipient and juror, I'm looking forward to leading a diverse jury that celebrates work that doesn't just follow trends, but creates them. In the jury room, I expect to see audio innovation that transcends conventional boundaries—work that resonates emotionally and proves that sound remains one of advertising's most powerful and authentic storytelling tools."
"Today was my first day as Jury President.
At first, I was amazed by the quality of the jurors.
Then I was surprised by the quality of the entries.
The next sessions promise to be intense. Choosing the winners will be tough — the craft this year is outstanding, and the debate will be rich.
I’m excited to dive deeper into the ideas and perspectives tomorrow.
It’s an honor to be here.”
Sbu Sitole
Jury President - Audio & Radio
Chief Creative Officer
The Odd Number
Johannesburg
“Radio and Audio is possibly my first love in advertising. I love beautifully written pieces, I love ideas, I love the ability of audio to take you on a journey, using the power of sound. I’m looking forward to ideas that not only disrupt the genre, but move the category forward”
Chaka Sobhani
Jury President - Ambient & Activation • Billboard • Poster • Print
President / Global Chief Creative Officer
DDB Worldwide
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to be Chair of the Ambient & Activation, Billboard, Poster and Print Jury. These categories show the power of ideas that exist firmly IRL and the importance of that tactility both for brands and audiences alike. Most of all, I’m looking forward to being in the company of some of the world's most brilliant creative leaders and practitioners, getting stuck into some meaty debates around the work and ultimately seeing ideas we are all jealous of for all the right reasons.”
“An amazing jury and an amazing body of work to look at and be inspired by. 2025 is proving a really interesting year - the variety and type of work is extensive and varied - you can see the new opportunities for us to create in different ways and in different places and spaces which is exciting. But as always, the things that are standing out so far are exceptional ideas and craft.”
Never be afraid to find your voice, and fight for it.”
Cyp Stephenson
Health & Wellness
SVP, Creative Director /
Creative Lead
RXMOSAIC
New York
“Seeing the best work our peers are creating is always inspiring, and a challenge to keep pushing on our own projects. After the LIAs, though, I realized just how uniquely *hopeful* the entries were. Every submission we awarded was rooted in finding an (often phenomenal) solution to a genuine, real-world problem. From hijacking a moment to raise awareness about a cause to using earned media to make change, there are people agencies and clients across the globe who are using their talents to help leave the world in a better place than how they found it. TBH, I feel like I'm being a little overwrought in some ways—we’re talking about advertising and PR, not saving lives, and the idea of "hope" can seem kinda trite. But as an industry we *are* helping to change lives and, hopefully, improve them. And maybe that’s enough.”
Marco Venturelli
Jury President - Non-Traditional
Global CEO/CCO Leo
CEO/CCO Publicis Conseil
CCO Publicis Groupe France
“Non-Traditional may be the name of the category, but it’s also the best compliment you can give to an outstanding piece of work.”
Shannon Washington
Creativity In Media
Partner, Chief Creative Officer
11 Ounces
New York
“A time was absolutely had in Las Vegas with the LIA crew. Being part of the debut of the Creativity In Media category alongside Andre (Dede) Laurentino, Jackie Lyons, Dino Myers-Lamptey, Jonathan Rigby, Benjamin Vendramin, Maggie Yang and our incredible madame president Linda Cronin was a brilliant way to close the 2025 awards season and get a glimpse into 2026. A huge congratulations to all the winners, know that your work was thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewed, considered, debated and no animals or humans were harmed in the process. A big thank you to Barbara Levy, Christina Shaw, Terry Savage, and Laurissa Levy for having me once again. Cheers!”
Matt Watson
Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers
Chief Creative Officer
Sips&Bites at PepsiCo
London
“Absolutely thrilled to have picked up a Bronze at this year's LIA’s for our Square Doritos Campaign last year. Congrats to the S&B team and the brand team for backing the idea!
I was also lucky enough to be part of this year's jury with some amazing, incredible jurors for Digital and Social categories at this year's London International Awards. A week of discussion, inspiration and debate about the greatest ideas from across the globe. Thank you jury president Samira Ansari and big up the jury Tara Mckenty, Anthony Yell, Fura Johannesdottir, Dogura Kozonoe, Katariina Ollari, Thomas Hongtack Kim, Burkhard Müller and Elizabeth Nguyen Son.
AND...to speak and hopefully inspire 130 of the hottest talent from across the world as part of the LIAisons coaching program during the week.
Thanks for organizing a wonderful week of inspiration and asking me to speak at the 2025 Creative LIAisons.”
Chris Wellard
Health & Wellness
Executive Creative Director
Havas Lynx
Manchester
Anthony Yell
Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers
Chief Creative Officer
Razorfish
New York
“Just wrapped judging the Digital & Social categories at LIA 2025.
In these categories, originality, simplicity, and execution matter more than ever. Big budgets and heavy production might grab attention for a moment, but the work that lasts is the idea that feels undeniable — the one that cuts through instantly, feels natural to the platform, and proves its impact.
And when you strip it back, three qualities consistently set the strongest work apart:
• Originality — because anything too familiar risks blending into the feed.
• Simplicity — the best ideas could be understood instantly and still spark conversation.
• Execution — craft that felt right for the space it lived in, from short-form content to larger digital activations, and that could prove it genuinely engaged people and delivered results.
• Originality — because anything too familiar risks blending into the feed.
• Simplicity — the best ideas could be understood instantly and still spark conversation.
• Execution — craft that felt right for the space it lived in, from short-form content to larger digital activations, and that could prove it genuinely engaged people and delivered results.
Just as valuable as the work were the conversations in the room. The debates were sharp but always respectful, and I walked away having learned as much from my fellow jurors as from the work itself.
And LIA is different: all judging happens live, all at once, so every discussion has the full context. Through Creative LIAisons, the next generation also gets rare access to see it happen — something that makes this show stand out.
Huge thanks to Samira Ansari (Jury President), my fellow jurors Thomas Hongtack Kim, Fura Johannesdottir, Dogura Kozonoe, Tara Mckenty, Burkhard Müller, Elizabeth Nguyen Son, Katariina Ollari, Matt Watson, and to Barbara Levy, Laurissa Levy and the entire LIA team. Privileged to be part of a jury — and an organization — that keeps pushing creativity forward.”
Samira Ansari
Jury President - Digital and Use of Social Media & Influencers
Chief Creative Officer
Ogilvy NY