Global Advertising Competition Celebrates Local Creativity, Innovation, and Bravery
The ANDY Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious advertising competitions, has appointed Steve Babaeko, CEO of X3M Ideas, along with other esteemed leaders, as its 2024-2025 Regional Chairs, representing seven regions globally. These Chairs will guide regional juries in identifying exceptional work that highlights local creativity, innovation, and boldness. The most outstanding entries will move forward to compete in the Global ANDYs, showcasing the best in advertising talent on an international stage.
The esteemed panel includes:
Steve Babaeko (Africa), CEO/CCO, X3M Ideas
Steve Babaeko, a renowned advertising expert, joins the ANDY Awards as Africa’s Regional Chair. With over 20 years of experience, Babaeko’s impressive career spans leadership roles at top agencies and founding X3M Ideas, a thriving advertising agency. His industry expertise, influential voice, and innovative spirit make him an ideal choice to lead the African region.
Rei Inamoto (Asia), Founding Partner, I&CO
Rei Inamoto, a visionary creative leader, joins the ANDY Awards as Asia’s Regional Chair. With expertise spanning advertising, design, and technology, Inamoto brings unparalleled credentials, including AKQA’s historic Agency of the Year accolades and recognition as one of Forbes’ “Top 25 Most Creative People in Advertising.” His innovative approach and thought leadership ensure exceptional guidance for the Asian region’s judging process.
Li Chun, Alice Chou (Greater China), CCO, Dentsu Creative Taiwan
Alice Chou, Dentsu Creative Taiwan’s CCO, joins the ANDY Awards as Greater China’s Regional Chair. Her exceptional creative leadership, award-winning work (Cannes Lion, Adfest Grand Prix, Adstar), and recognition (Outstanding Creative Person, Women Leading Change Awards) make her an ideal panellist. Chou’s innovative expertise and unique perspective will guide the selection of outstanding work from Greater China, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and exceptional craftsmanship.
Chaka Sobhani (Europe), CCO, DDB
Chaka Sobhani, Global Chief Creative Officer at DDB Worldwide, brings her exceptional creative expertise to the ANDY Awards as Europe’s Regional Chair. With a diverse background in filmmaking, TV, and advertising, Sobhani’s award-winning track record includes transforming ITV’s creative output and earning numerous Baftas and the Rose D’Or. Her leadership at Mother and DDB has garnered consistent recognition, including Campaign’s Top 20 Creative Leaders. As a seasoned juror and president at top industry awards, Sobhani’s discerning eye and creative vision will guide the European region’s judging process, identifying innovative, bold, and exceptional work that pushes the boundaries of advertising excellence.
Joaquin Cubria (LATAM), Partner/CCO, GUT Buenos Aires
Joaquin Cubria, Chief Creative Officer of GUT Buenos Aires, joins the ANDY Awards as LATAM Regional Chair. As leader of the 2023 Cannes Agency of the Year and 2024 Effie Global Index’s Most Effective Independent Agency, Cubria brings unparalleled creative expertise. With 25 years of industry experience, 54+ Cannes Lions, and 3 Grand Prix wins, he is a respected authority in advertising innovation. His presidential tenure at Círculo de la Creatividad Argentina and recognition as one of Adweek’s 100 Creatives solidify his position as a thought leader. Cubria’s expertise will guide the LATAM region’s judging, identifying bold, effective, and groundbreaking work that raises the bar for creative excellence.
Tara Ford (Pacific), CCO, The Monkeys
Tara Ford, The Monkeys’ CCO, joins the ANDY Awards as Pacific Regional Chair. A renowned creative leader, Ford’s accolades include Campaign Asia’s ‘Creative Captain 2022’ and Creativepool’s ‘Global Creative Leader of the Year 2021’. Her award-winning work and industry leadership make her an ideal panellist, bringing expertise and high standards to identify innovative and exceptional advertising excellence in the Pacific region.
Ali Rez (SWANA), CCO, IMPACT BBDO
Ali Rez, Impact BBDO’s renowned Creative Leader, joins the ANDY Awards as MENA Regional Chair. A three-time Campaign magazine Creative Person of the Year and 2024 Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year, Rez is the most awarded creative leader in the Middle East. His visionary leadership has propelled Impact BBDO to global Top 10 rankings and 29 No.1 Regional Agency accolades. With nearly 1000 international awards, including Grands Prix at major shows, Rez’s expertise will guide the MENA region’s judging, identifying innovative and exceptional work that raises the bar for creative excellence.
As part of a two-tiered vetting process, each regional jury will curate a shortlist of exceptional campaigns from their markets with the potential to win at the global level. These regional leaders are dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and elevating their region’s top talent to the international stage.
The ANDY Awards, which honours excellence and bravery in advertising, is now accepting entries at no cost.
