AUCKLAND, Today: An international line-up of creative heavyweights has been confirmed for the 2026 Gerety Awards, with the full Global Executive Jury now locked in to shape this year’s shortlist.
After revealing Jury Presidents and judging locations, the awards have named the industry leaders who’ll take part in 15 in-person sessions around the world, setting the creative benchmark for 2026.
The jury spans creatives, strategists, producers, filmmakers, brand leaders and social specialists, reflecting the broad perspectives the Gerety Awards was built to champion.
Executive sessions will run in cities including Auckland, London, New York and Paris, alongside hubs such as Hong Kong, Dubai and São Paulo, blending local insight with a shared global creative standard.
“Having the Gerety Awards land in New Zealand feels like a big moment for our industry. There’s an incredible community of female talent here – smart, brave and culturally sharp – creating work that stands up anywhere in the world.
“This is a chance to shine a light on that strength and celebrate the perspectives that make our region unique.” commented Leisa Wall, Co-Chief Creative Officer, McCann and Jury Co-president for the New Zealand jury.
Isobel Kerr-Newell, CEO, Artemis Communications and Jury Co-president added, “In assembling this jury – and being the first time New Zealand has hosted – we felt it was important to bring together all the different facets that make our industry here in Aotearoa so special.
“We are truly honoured to be leading such a strong group of creative leaders, changemakers and challengers. We look forward to the opportunity to both celebrate the work and strengthen the connections between women in our industry, here and across the global Gerety community.”
“In assembling this jury – and being the first time New Zealand has hosted – we felt it was important to bring together all the different facets that make our industry here in Aotearoa so special.” – Isobel Kerr-Newell, CEO, Artemis Communications and Jury Co-president
More than 260 judges from 50 countries will take part in 2026. Auckland’s executive jury includes:
- Isobel Kerr-Newell, CEO, Artemis Communications
- Leisa Wall, Co-Chief Creative Officer, McCann
- Kristal Knight, Creative Consultant
- Arnya Karaitiana, Creative Director, Kaiārahi Māori, Special Group Aotearoa
- Storm Day, CEO, Droga5 / NZ Lead Accenture Song
- Edwina Neilson, General Manager, Marketing Green Cross Health – Unichem and Life Pharmacy
- Cece Chu, Associate Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi
- Melina Fiolitakis, Creative Director, Motion Sickness
- Jane Sweeney, Executive Chair & Co-Founder, Anthem
- Laura Cibilich, Founder & Design Director, Run Aotearoa
- Michaela Chilton, Brand Strategy & Experience Manager, Mercury
- Rebekah ‘Bex’ Kelly, Executive Producer, FINCH company
- Penelope Brown, Managing Director, Together
The Gerety Awards feature in major global rankings including The Drum World Creative Rankings. From 2026, winners will also count towards the Campaign Brief Asia Rankings, adding further weight to agency and creative reputations.
Beyond judging, Gerety will host talks and industry events across cities such as London, Bangkok, New York, Berlin, Melbourne and Paris, opening up space for conversation and connection.
The Early Bird deadline is March 13th.
Entries are open across all categories, including the new Moments Cut, spotlighting work that captures the cultural moments shaping the world right now.
Eligible work must have launched in a commercial environment with client approval between January 1st, 2025 and the final entry deadline.
Judging is based on two core criteria: the originality of the creative idea and the quality of its execution.
- Meet the 2026 Jury and explore categories and deadlines at GeretyAwards.com
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