Local agencies OMD NZ and Special NZ have been recognised on the world’s stage by the prestigious United Kingdom’s Campaign yesterday.
Special New Zealand has been named Global Creative Agency of the Year and OMD New Zealand secured the silver award as Media Agency of the Year.
This is the second time Special NZ has won this accolade, making global headlines in 2021 for it, while OMD NZ wins the award off the back of winning NZ Media Agency of the Year for nine out of the past 10 years.
Nigel Douglas, CEO OMD New Zealand says: “It’s a great feeling being recognised for our world class work on the global stage. Second highest performing media agency in the world is a pretty big win!”
Special was up against tough competition from other finalists including Åkestam Holst NoA (Sweden), Thinkerbell (Australia), Leo Burnett (Taiwan), Rethink (Canada), Howatson+Company (Australia) and TBWA (Turkey).
“This is a huge achievement, to be named ‘the best agency in the world’ twice in three years really shows just how consistently Special is performing at the very highest global level. And at a time when a lot of Kiwi businesses are facing economic pressures, to know they have the world’s best marketing minds on their doorstep to turn to, is a great advantage,” says Tony Bradbourne, Special Co-Founder and CEO.
“Our entire agency, dedicated partners, and ambitious clients should be very proud of themselves – but most importantly, I’m proud of what this says about Kiwi creativity. You don’t need to be the biggest advertising agency, you just need to strive to be the smartest.”
The Campaign Agency of the Year awards are judged by a panel of leading marketing and industry experts.
In their summation, Campaign commented: “Special is a small agency group that packs a might punch, and its work is proof” describing it as “an awesome portfolio of work from a dream team” and praised Special for its “compelling story of growth, with a strong culture of inclusivity and equity.
“The standard and quality of entries this year impressed our judges very much. They demonstrated the enduring power of creativity in the marketing communications industry.”
Rory Gallery, Chief Strategy Officer at Special, says: “We have an ambition to build the best creative network in the world from the bottom of the world up – and we’re well on our way. We believe the most creative work is the most effective work. It was great to hear that judges were so impressed by that body of work.”
Lisa Fedysyzn, Executive Creative Director at Special, says: “I’m so proud of the hard work of our teams who have produced an incredible body of work. The work recognised by the judges includes the full spectrum of skills at Special – from Special Wellington’s efforts with Hell Pizza’s ToMeatO Sauce, to Special PR’s work with Tourism Fiji for Booster of Happiness, and the thousands of hours spent by our Auckland office building Optus’ brand platform of It Starts With Yes.
“Any businesses that need world class marketing brains to grow market share, launch or strengthen their brand, or address a strategic challenge don’t need to search very far.”
A complete list of winners can be found here.
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