AUCKLAND, Today: Campaign Asia-Pacific has named Colenso BBDO Art Director, Léon Bristow, to its prestigious 40 Under 40 list for 2025.
Léon creates impact and the industry has noticed. Campaign Asia-Pacific has named Colenso BBDO Art Director, Léon Bristow, to its prestigious 40 Under 40 list for 2025.
Léon blends culture and creativity in everything he does. One day he’s driving campaigns for Matariki or Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, the next he’s helping brands find new ways to connect with the world.
He’s also the founder of Beings, a growing directory linking POC, Rainbow, and Disabled talent with the industry. It’s all part of his push for more voices, more stories, and more representation at the table.
Born in France, raised in New Zealand, and shaped by his Māori, Samoan, and Dutch roots, Léon creates work that feels universal while staying deeply personal. It’s no wonder the industry keeps recognising him.
“Léon has the amazing ability to create work that’s sharp enough to cut through, but generous enough to bring people with him.” – Angela Watson, CEO of Colenso BBDO
Angela Watson, CEO of Colenso BBDO says “Léon has the amazing ability to create work that’s sharp enough to cut through, but generous enough to bring people with him.
“He’s constantly amplifying the voices that need to be heard — and the industry is better for it, we’re all better for it. We’re over the moon to see him recognised in Asia Pacific and this will sit nicely alongside Léon’s Emergent Icon honour at this year’s Te Hapori Matihiko Awards.”
Si Vicars, CCO Colenso BBDO says “Kim, Hadleigh and I feel very lucky when we look out across our Creative department. We have a brilliant team of curious and determined creatives. In amongst those gems of humans, Léon shines brightly. We’re all so proud of what he’s achieved.”
Léon Bristow says “It’s such a privilege to receive this recognition, and I know so much of it comes from how deeply my communities have shaped me, both creatively and personally.
I’ve been fortunate to find opportunities in spaces where we’re often underrepresented, and that gives me a responsibility to speak up and build pathways for those same communities to be part of the discussions. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With my food basket and your food basket the people will thrive.”
- Leons Website: leonbristow.co
- Beings: beings.co
- 40 Under 40 feature: Campaign Asia
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