Latest news with #AgencyoftheYear
International Business Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- International Business Times
America's Best Student Agency Is More Than Just a Student Agency
In a landscape where student-run agencies often serve as glorified class projects or resume-padding exercises, the University of Louisville's The Bird's Nest stands out as a national model for what experiential learning should actually look like: strategic, creative, relevant, and genuinely student-led. With real clients, real deadlines, and real stakes, this agency isn't cosplaying. It's building brands, shaping voices, and giving students the kind of portfolio experience that turns "potential" into "proven." When you're working with Alex Cooper, iconic brands like Churchill Downs and The Hollywood Reporter names you a top student run agency, you know you're on to something. The University of Louisville is punching above its weight in the birthplace of Muhammad Ali in The United States, creating a global model for jumpstarting student careers. Their work has earned them serious accolades. In 2024, The Bird's Nest won multiple honors at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Star Awards, including Best Student-Run Campaign and Excellence in Strategic Communication. They were named Agency of the Year by the American Institute of Integrated Marketing, a major honor typically reserved for professional shops. They've also been spotlighted in PR News, Adweek EDU, and recognized at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) National Conference for their innovation in student engagement. While The Bird's Nest is raising the bar, it's part of a broader movement of exceptional student agencies. Firms like Allen Hall Advertising at the University of Oregon and PRLab at Boston University have long set strong examples of what students can accomplish with the right mix of mentorship and autonomy. But The Bird's Nest brings a distinct cultural identity, one that's fast, fearless, and deeply rooted in Gen Z storytelling. Meet What The Flock ?!: The Podcast for the Figuring-It-Out Generation While the agency has made waves with client campaigns and creative strategy, it's their original podcast What The Flock ?! that perfectly captures the voice and spirit of The Bird's Nest. Hosted by students for students, the podcast skips the performative, overly polished advice that clutters most career content and instead delivers a chaotic, vulnerable, and hilariously honest take on "making it." As Lauren Cassady, one of the creative leads behind the show, explains: "The What the Flock?! podcast came to life because, honestly, we were tired of hearing the same recycled advice about 'navigating adulthood' from people who already have their lives together. Like, cool glad your 5 AM gratitude journaling and caffeine detox set you up for success, but what about the rest of us who are just trying to figure out taxes, job offers, and whether or not we can still justify a Thirsty Thursday? We wanted something real. Something that didn't just preach career advice but actually acknowledged the chaos of early adulthood, because let's be honest, half the time, we're all just winging it. So many podcasts either lean too professional or too casual, and we wanted the best of both worlds. What the Flock?! is here to spill the tea on career moves, student expectations, and the absolute dumpster fire that is your early 20s without making you feel like you're failing at life. Think of it as your fun, honest, slightly chaotic older sisters who somehow still get their stuff done." That blend of authenticity and competence is exactly what makes The Bird's Nest so effective and so admired. It's not just a student agency. It's a cultural incubator where the next generation of marketers and communicators aren't just studying best practices. They're setting them. The Blueprint for a New Kind of Learning In a time when employers are asking for graduates with "real-world experience" but offering fewer opportunities to gain it, The Bird's Nest is filling the gap in a way that's fun, fearless, and highly effective. They're not just preparing students for the industry. They're helping reshape it. For other universities hoping to empower their students and build meaningful, professional programs, The Bird's Nest isn't just a great example. It's the blueprint. Because when students are trusted to lead, given the tools to build, and allowed a little chaos along the way, that's when the best work happens.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ET Shark Awards 2025: Swiggy, Axis Bank, Tata Salt, Ogilvy Group India win big
Drum rolls! The wait is finally over. The ET Shark Awards , a tentpole property of ET Brand Equity, which is a celebration of marketing excellence , has unveiled the winners of its 7th edition. The ET Shark Awards stand as a beacon, recognizing and celebrating the trailblazers who have pushed the boundaries of excellence in the Indian marketing and advertising landscape. The coveted Campaign of the Year award was proudly taken home by Tata Salt for their impactful campaign, The Unforgettable Salt. The work was presented by Tata Consumer Products Ltd. & Wavemaker India Pvt. Ltd. Swiggy bagged Brand of the Year. Ogilvy Group India secured the prestigious Agency of the Year. Axis Bank received the Disruptive Brand of the Year (Silver) for its Devanagari PIN work by AutumnGrey, a Grey company. Individual excellence was also celebrated. Anoop Manohar, Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Bank, and Siddharth Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Britannia, jointly awarded Marketer of the Year. Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, WPP Media, received CEO of the Year (Network Agency). Harshil Karia, Founder, Schbang, was recognized as CEO of the Year (Independent Agency). Falguni Nayar, CEO, Nykaa, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement of the Year award. The Rising Star of the Marketing World was awarded to Savio Cerejo. Click here to view all Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners. PwC, the knowledge partner for the awards, conducted meticulous due diligence for all entries, shortlisting them for a three-city jury process. The shortlisted entries were then evaluated against predefined parameters by a panel of over 100 CMOs, marketing heads, and creative leads from leading brands in India. The entries were assessed using a comprehensive set of criteria designed to identify truly outstanding work, including campaign objectives, challenges, strategy implementation, message alignment with the target audience, and overall impact. The shortlisted entries were later evaluated by a panel of Grand Jury members, comprising India's top CEOs, MDs, and founders. The Grand Jury was chaired by Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, a name that truly needs no introduction in the Indian business fraternity. Talking about the winning entries, Shivam Puri, MD and CEO of Cipla Health, who was a part of the Grand Jury of the awards, said, "The way digital has gone deep into every single marketing communication in each of these winning entries makes you realize that it's actually ingrained deep into what we do everyday (as consumers)." According to Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, Nivea India, the entries were of a very high caliber, with many in the social space as well, which she thinks was much needed. "It's really nice to see new work coming up year on year, which is creative," she added. Sangeeta Pendurkar, CEO – Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, concluded by saying the winning work gave the Grand Jury a great perspective of the kind of work that's happening in the country today.
Campaign ME
24-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Seven in a row: Impact BBDO wins MENA Network of the Year at Cannes Lions 2025
Following its success at Dubai Lynx Awards 2025, where it was crowned Agency of the Year for the seventh time, Impact BBDO has made history on the global stage, as well, winning the Regional Network of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa region for an unprecedented seventh time in a row. The agency network was awarded a Gold, two Silvers, and two Bronzes over the week at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Dani Richa, CEO and Chairman, Impact BBDO, said, 'Winning MENA Regional Network of the Year at Cannes Lions for the seventh consecutive time is truly a first. It's an achievement that brings both a sense of relief and immense pride. We owe this incredible milestone to our amazing clients and our dedicated team.' Leading the haul was the Gold Lion-winning campaign in the Creative Strategy category for AnNahar Newspaper titled The New President, the world's first instance where an AI-generated head of state was actively utilised in government cabinet sessions. Amongst the wins was also a historic first for Jordan: a Silver Lion in the Print and Publications category, a win shared with Impact BBDO for Capital Bank's campaign titled 'Notes on Notes.' The other campaigns that picked up metal included 'Child Wedding Cards' for UN Women, and a long-term Brand Platform entry for AnNahar Newspaper and its strategy of 'Active Journalism' which has been awarded three Grands Prix at Cannes Lions in five years. Ali Rez, Regional Chief Creative Officer at Impact BBDO, said, 'It's wonderful to see so much stellar creative work being recognised from the region – the Middle East is now firmly established as a creative powerhouse globally. We feel immensely proud to lead the region, and for that we are thankful to our incredible brand partners and superb teams who believe in creating the best work in the world.' Impact BBDO's win caps one of the strongest performances by MENA agencies at Cannes Lions, who collectively picked up a total of 32 Lions this year, a notable jump from 22 wins in 2024.
Business Wire
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New York Festivals Advertising Awards Announces Milestone Win; Names Klick Health ‘Agency of the Year'
NEW YORK & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Klick Health was named 'Agency of the Year' by New York Festivals Advertising Awards (NYFA) yesterday, representing a landmark win for the independent health agency and signaling a turning point in consumer advertising, as health increasingly becomes more mainstream. The news marks the third Agency of the Year distinction for Klick in under a month after being named Clio Health's Independent Agency of the Year for the third consecutive year earlier this week, and also making history as the first health agency to be named an Agency of the Year by The One Show. Scott Rose, New York Festivals Advertising Awards President said, 'We're thrilled to celebrate Klick Health's extraordinary success in the 2025 NYFA. This marks the first time a health agency has earned the prestigious title of Agency of the Year, a milestone that speaks to the power of Klick's innovative and purpose-driven creativity. Among their many award-winning campaigns, the Grand Award-winning '47' stands out as a powerful testament to inclusion, resilience, and the transformative impact of storytelling.' 'We are incredibly proud to be recognized among the world's top agencies by the NYFA,' said Klick Health Chief Creative Officer Rich Levy. 'As the first health-focused agency to be named Agency of the Year, it's inspiring to see creativity in health continue to take its place on the global stage and a testament to the quality of work being done throughout the healthcare industry.' With entries from six continents judged by an international jury of more than 350 members, the NYFA jury pushed forward work that puts brands in the spotlight and resonates with today's consumers. Among the top accolades, Klick received the Grand Award in Film Craft, eight Gold Towers, four Silver Towers, and four Bronze Towers for its ' 47,' ' American Cancer Story,' and ' Voice 2 Diabetes ' campaigns. Klick's full list of New York Festivals Advertising Awards AGENCY OF THE YEAR GRAND AWARD: 47 – Café Joyeux – Film Craft - Animation GOLD: 47 – Café Joyeux – Film Craft - Animation GOLD: 47 – Café Joyeux – Film Craft - Best Use of Music GOLD: 47 – Café Joyeux – Film Craft - Production Accomplishment GOLD: 47 – Café Joyeux – Design - Best Use: Art Direction/Production Design GOLD: 47 – Café Joyeux – Design - Best Use: Custom Illustration GOLD: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – Avant-Garde/Innovative: Technology GOLD: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – Best Use: Technology GOLD: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – Best Use: Use of Data SILVER: 47 – Café Joyeux – Design - Branded Content/Entertainment: Craft: Production Accomplishment SILVER: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – Best Use: Innovation SILVER: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – Purpose: Technology for Good SILVER: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – Digital/Mobile: Best Use: Voice Activation BRONZE: American Cancer Story – Change the Ref – Film: Best Use: Social/Environmental Good: NGO/PSA BRONZE: 47 – Café Joyeux – Film Craft: Art Direction/Production Design BRONZE: 47 – Café Joyeux – Purpose: Children - Health, Happiness and Safety BRONZE: Voice 2 Diabetes – KVI Brave Fund Inc. – The Future Now: Effectiveness: Use of AI for Effectiveness About Klick Health Klick Health is the world's largest independent commercialization partner for life sciences, focused on hacking the boundaries of health by developing, launching, and supporting life sciences brands to achieve their full potential. The agency provides best-in-class marketing and advertising, media strategy and purchasing, medical affairs and medical communications, value and market access services, as well as enterprise omnichannel enablement among its specialized offerings. Klick's client service is rooted in deep medical and scientific understanding, enabled by nearly 250 post-graduate, in-house medical experts; unrivaled decision sciences capabilities; and innovative, results-driven creative. One of the most-awarded advertising agencies on the planet, Klick was named 2024 Clio Health Independent Agency of the Year, London International Awards Global (and Regional) Independent Health & Pharma Agency of the Year, as well as Cannes Lions #2 Healthcare Agency and #2 Healthcare Network for the second year running. Cannes Lions also recognized Klick as the 2024 #3 Independent Agency of the Year. In 2024, Klick won over 140 top creative honors, including the coveted Cannes Lions Innovation Grand Prix, and eight agency distinctions from the most respected advertising awards shows. Klick has also been ranked a Best Managed Company, Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Women, Best Workplace for Inclusion, Best Workplace for Professional Services, Most Admired Corporate Culture, and a FORTUNE Best Workplace in Advertising. Established in 1997, Klick Health (including Klick Katalyst and btwelve) has offices in New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga Springs, Toronto, London, São Paulo, and Singapore. It is part of the Klick Group of companies, which also includes Klick Media Group, Klick Applied Sciences (including Klick Labs), Klick Consulting, Klick Ventures, and Sensei Labs. Follow Klick Health on LinkedIn and for more information on joining Klick, go to
Campaign ME
13-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Head of Agency of the Year 2024: Bassel Kakish, Publicis Groupe ME&T
The Gold winner of Head of Agency of the Year 2024 for Campaign's Global Agency of the Year Awards is Bassel Kakish, chief executive officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T. The metrics speak volumes of Kakish's three-year leadership of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey (ME&T): 84 per cent of employees find work meaningful, staff turnover has been slashed to 12 per cent (down 9 per cent over two years), and diversified capabilities now represent 66 per cent of revenue. His 'Growth Club' initiative – a workplace community spanning 80+ participants across 11 agencies and seven markets – achieved an 85 Net Promoter Score with 68 per cent monthly attendance. Meanwhile, 'The Strategy Garage' boasts 97 per cent retention and 33 per cent talent acquisition growth, with an 11:3 female-to-male ratio demonstrating conscious inclusion and support for female strategy talent. When regional conflict escalated, Kakish's business continuity plan seamlessly relocated Lebanese staff to Jordan, maintaining operations without missing a beat. This human-centric crisis management epitomises his leadership philosophy. Commercial vindication is undeniable: 76 per cent new business win rate, €62m in new revenue across Middle East and North Africa, and market share leadership surpassing Omnicom, making ME&T the only region besides North America where Publicis significantly outpaces competition. Strategic partnerships tech platforms position the agency at AI's forefront, while the socially conscious creative work made under Kakish's leadership, from NBA's basketball equality campaign to Anghami's child protection initiative, proves purpose can be a strong multiplier for profit. His colleagues' testimonials reveal a leader who reliably answers calls no matter the time of day or night, solves problems collaboratively, and genuinely prioritises people over processes. In Kakish's hands, 'talent-first' is competitive advantage. Judges applauded Kakish for turning Publicis Groupe ME&T into 'a real powerhouse.' Shortlisted: Tom Otton, Create. Group Tyler Turnbull, FCB Natalie Bell, MG OMD Sam Stuchbury, Motion Sickness This content was first published on Campaign UK.
