Special New Zealand has been named Global Creative Agency of the Year for the second year in a row, becoming the first agency to win back-to-back titles.
At the awards night in London this week, they also won Creative Agency Leader of the Year and Global Creative Leaders of the Year.
Designed to bring together the very best agencies from USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, the annual Campaign Agency of the Year Global Awards set out to determine who is ‘the
best-of-the-best’ across creative and media agencies, networks and people categories.
Audited by PwC to ensure maximum trust and transparency, the judging panel is composed of leading CMOs and brand-side Marketers from a variety of key markets.
Special’s Founder Tony Bradbourne was named ‘Global Creative Agency Leader of the Year’ after the agency’s stellar performance in 2023 – where they won Cannes Grand Prix and ‘Independent Agency of the Year / Strategy’, ‘The Most Effective Independent Agency in the World’ by EFFIE Global Index and ‘Most Effective Agency’ at both the NZ and Asia-Pacific Effie awards – all whilst navigating a double-dip
recession in New Zealand.
This marks the first time an agency leader from the southern hemisphere has been awarded the top prize.
“You can’t create anything extraordinary alone. I’m very happy to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Special. You only have a chance at a title like this if you’re surrounded and supported by some pretty special people,” Says Bradbourne.
Special Auckland CCOs Lisa Fedyszyn and Jonathan McMahon were named ‘Global Creative Leaders of the Year”, following a year filled with Cannes Grand Prix and Golds, D&AD Yellow Pencil, and ‘Best in Show’ titles at all of the New Zealand creative, media, and effectiveness shows as well as leading Special to be named ‘Agency Network of the Year’ at the Australian AWARD show.
Fedyszyn and McMahon said, “It’s a real honour to be named ‘Global Creative Leaders of the Year’ by such a well-known and respected publication as Campaign. And to take out this title when up against such brilliant global leaders who have made extraordinary work that we love and admire makes it even more exciting.
“We have been joined at the hip (possibly literally if you look at our photo) for over 21 years now and know and appreciate the benefits of working as a team. Hence why it’s not just about us, but everyone at Special who makes it special every day. And, of course, all our clients who share that same passion and drive to make the best work together, that is creative and effective in equal parts.”
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