UNVEILING THE WORLD’S MOST EFFECTIVE MARKETERS
Johannesburg, June 11, 2025 – Effie Worldwide has released the 2024 Effie Index® (effieindex.com), the 14th edition of the annual global ranking that celebrates the most effective marketing around the world. Drawing from finalist and winning entries submitted across regional, national, and global Effie Awards competitions, this year’s Index continues to reflect the evolving landscape of impactful marketing.
“The Effie Index sets the global standard for marketing effectiveness. It’s about recognizing work that works and delivering real impact across geographies, industries and audiences,” said Traci Alford, Global CEO, Effie Worldwide. “This year’s rankings reflect the true breadth of global marketing excellence, and we congratulate all those who earned top honors. We’re proud to celebrate their success and are inspired by their leadership.”
This year’s rankings are representative of Effie Awards finalists and winners determined between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
Most Effective Marketers
Top 5: AB InBev, McDonald’s, Unilever, PepsiCo, Mondelēz International
Once again, FMCG/CPG, QSR, and personal care brands dominated the rankings, with AB InBev maintaining its leadership position as the most effective marketer for the fourth consecutive year. AB InBev was followed closely by McDonald’s, which climbed to second place, and Unilever, which moved to the third position. PepsiCo remained amongst the top at number four, while Mondelēz International made a strong showing to round out the top five marketers.
Most Effective Brands
Top 5: McDonald’s, Dove, KFC, Samsung, O Boticário
In the brand category, McDonald’s once again earned the top spot as the most effective brand globally, reflecting its sustained investment in effectiveness-driven marketing. Dove made a significant leap into second place, signaling strong consumer engagement and the impact of purpose-led brand communications. KFC held steady among top brands in third, while Samsung came in fourth place with innovative, high-impact campaigns. Brazil’s O Boticário secured the fifth spot, reinforcing the strength of Latin American brands on a global stage.
Most Effective Agency Holding Groups
Top 5: Omnicom, WPP, Publicis Groupe, Interpublic Group (IPG), Dentsu
Omnicom retained its position as the most effective agency holding group, ahead of WPP and Publicis Groupe, which held the second and third spots respectively. Interpublic Group (IPG) and Dentsu completed the top five, each demonstrating robust global performance across markets.
Most Effective Agency Networks
Top 5: Ogilvy, McCann Worldgroup, BBDO Worldwide, DDB Worldwide, VML
For agency networks, Ogilvy rose to the top in 2024, driven by standout campaigns and consistently effective work across multiple regions. It was followed by McCann Worldgroup, BBDO Worldwide, DDB Worldwide, and VML, which made its debut in the top five following a period of transformation and global expansion.
Most Effective Agency Offices
Top 5: AlmapBBDO (São Paulo, Brazil), Ogilvy (Mumbai, India), Leo Burnett (Mumbai, India), McCann (Gurugram, India), Leo Burnett (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
At the agency office level, AlmapBBDO in São Paulo, Brazil, held onto the top spot as the most effective individual agency office. They were followed by Ogilvy Mumbai and Leo Burnett Mumbai, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global effectiveness conversation. McCann Gurugram remained among the top as this year’s number four spot, followed by Leo Burnett Dubai, as number five.
Most Effective Independent Agencies
Top 5: Mischief @ No Fixed Address (Brooklyn, NY, United States), ISLA (Mexico City, Mexico), ISLA (Buenos Aires, Argentina), The Womb (Mumbai, India), Soko (São Paulo, Brazil)
Among independent agencies, Mischief @ No Fixed Address, based in Brooklyn, New York, earned the distinction of being the most effective in the world. The agency’s creative innovation and performance-driven approach propelled it to the top just five years after its founding. Latin American agencies also made a strong impact, with ISLA achieving dual recognition for its offices in Mexico City and Buenos Aires. The Womb in Mumbai and Soko in São Paulo completed the global top five, showcasing the global reach and innovation of independent agencies.
2024 Regional Rankings
Asia Pacific
McDonald’s (marketer), McDonald’s (brand), WPP (holding group), Ogilvy (agency network), Ogilvy Mumbai (agency office), The Womb (independent agency).
Europe
McDonald’s (marketer), McDonald’s (brand), WPP (holding group), Publicis (agency network), Ogilvy Athens (agency office), Banda (independent agency).
Latin America
AB InBev (marketer), O Boticário (brand), Omnicom (holding group), BBDO Worldwide (agency network), AlmapBBDO (agency office), ISLA Mexico (independent agency).
Middle East & Africa
AB InBev (marketer), Yas Island (brand), Publicis Groupe (holding group), Leo Burnett Worldwide (agency network), Leo Burnett Dubai (agency office), People of the Internet (independent agency).
North America
McDonald’s (marketer), McDonald’s (brand), IPG (holding group), McCann Worldgroup (agency network), Mischief @ No Fixed Address (agency office & independent agency).
2024 South Africa Rankings – Click here to download the Effie SA Index Stats 2025
| RANK | SA INDIVIDUAL AGENCY OFFICES | POINTS
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| 1 | Halo | Johannesburg | 76 |
| 2 | Ogilvy | Cape Town | 72 |
| 3 | M-Sports Marketing Communications | Johannesburg | 51 |
| 4 | Joe Public | Johannesburg | 46 |
| 5 | Ogilvy | Johannesburg | 42 |
| 6 | iProspect | Johannesburg | 30 |
| 7 | Dentsu Creative | Johannesburg | 21 |
| 8 | Hearts & Science | Dubai | 18 |
| 8 | Living Masks Experiential | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 8 | Mindshare | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 8 | Punky Starfish | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 8 | SHIFT | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 13 | Draftline | Johannesburg | 13 |
| 14 | Foneworx | Johannesburg | 12 |
| 14 | Retroviral | Johannesburg | 12 |
| 16 | 99cents | Cape Town | 6 |
| 16 | Design Bridge and Partners | Cape Town | 6 |
| 16 | Shaun James Film | Johannesburg | 6 |
| 19 | Accenture Song | Johannesburg | 3 |
| 19 | Juno | Johannesburg | 3 |
| 19 | Massif Films | Johannesburg | 3 |
| 19 | PHD | Cape Town | 3 |
| 19 | Starcom | Johannesburg | 3 |
| 24 | Dentsu | Johannesburg | 2 |
| 24 | Levergy | Johannesburg | 2 |
| 24 | M&C Saatchi Abel | Johannesburg | 2 |
| 24 | Promise Group | Johannesburg | 2 |
| 28 | Hirt & Carter | Johannesburg | 1 |
| 28 | IMA | Cape Town | 1 |
| 28 | Machine | Johannesburg | 1 |
| 28 | Moonsport | Cape Town | 1 |
| 28 | PHD | Johannesburg | 1 |
| 28 | SABC | Durban | 1 |
| 28 | The Media Shop | Johannesburg | 1 |
| RANK | SA INDEPENDENT AGENCY OFFICES | POINTS | |
| 1 | Halo | Johannesburg | 76 |
| 2 | Joe Public | Johannesburg | 46 |
| 3 | Living Masks Experiential | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 3 | Punky Starfish | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 3 | SHIFT | Johannesburg | 18 |
| 6 | Foneworx | Johannesburg | 12 |
| 6 | Retroviral | Johannesburg | 12 |
| 8 | 99cents | Cape Town | 6 |
| 8 | Shaun James Film | Johannesburg | 6 |
| 10 | Juno | Johannesburg | 3 |
| 10 | Massif Films | Johannesburg | 3 |
| 12 | Promise Group | Johannesburg | 2 |
| 13 | Hirt & Carter | Johannesburg | 1 |
| 13 | Machine | Johannesburg | 1 |
| 13 | Moonsport | Cape Town | 1 |
| 13 | SABC | Durban | 1 |
| 13 | The Media Shop | Johannesburg | 1 |
| RANK | SA AGENCY NETWORKS | POINTS |
| 1 | Ogilvy | 114 |
| 2 | Joe Public | 46 |
| 3 | iProspect | 30 |
| 4 | Dentsu International | 23 |
| 5 | Omnicom Media Group | 22 |
| 6 | Mindshare Worldwide | 18 |
| 7 | Draftline | 13 |
| 8 | M&C Saatchi | 4 |
| 9 | Accenture Song | 3 |
| 9 | Starcom | 3 |
| 11 | Hirt & Carter Group | 1 |
| 11 | Smollan | 1 |
| 11 | The Media Shop | 1 |
| RANK | SA HOLDING GROUPS
|
POINTS |
| 1 | WPP | 114 |
| 2 | Dentsu | 53 |
| 3 | Megapro Holdings | 51 |
| 4 | Omnicom | 22 |
| 5 | AB InBev | 13 |
| RANK | SA BRANDS | POINTS |
| 1 | Castle Lager | 54 |
| 2 | Pineapple | 52 |
| 3 | Brutal Fruit Spritzer | 36 |
| 3 | KFC | 36 |
| 5 | Capital Legacy | 24 |
| 5 | Carling Black Label | 24 |
| 7 | Cadbury Dairy Milk | 6 |
| 7 | Checkers | 6 |
| 7 | Chicken Licken | 6 |
| 7 | PEP | 6 |
| 11 | SAB | 4 |
| 12 | Nedbank | 2 |
| 12 | Simba | 2 |
| 12 | Telkom | 2 |
| RANK | SA MARKETERS | POINTS |
| 1 | AB InBev | 118 |
| 2 | Pineapple | 52 |
| 3 | YUM! | 36 |
| 4 | Capital Legacy | 24 |
| 5 | Chicken Licken | 6 |
| 5 | Mondelez International | 6 |
| 5 | Shoprite Holdings | 6 |
| 5 | Steinhoff International Holdings | 6 |
| 9 | Nedbank | 2 |
| 9 | PepsiCo | 2 |
| 9 | Telkom SA | 2 |
To view the complete rankings and learn more about how rankings are compiled, visit effieindex.com.
*Please note: Effie Slovenia did not hold a competition during the 2024 Effie Index qualifying period. This year’s rankings also reflect the results of the 2024 Global Best of the Best Effie Awards.
EFFIE ANNOUNCES 2024 GLOBAL EFFIE INDEX
Unveiling the World’s Most Effective Marketers
Johannesburg, June 5, 2025 – Effie Worldwide has released the 2024 Effie Index® (effieindex.com), the 14th edition of the annual global ranking that celebrates the most effective marketing around the world. Drawing from finalist and winning entries submitted across regional, national, and global Effie Awards competitions, this year’s Index continues to reflect the evolving landscape of impactful marketing.
“The Effie Index sets the global standard for marketing effectiveness. It’s about recognizing work that works and delivering real impact across geographies, industries and audiences,” said Traci Alford, Global CEO, Effie Worldwide. “This year’s rankings reflect the true breadth of global marketing excellence, and we congratulate all those who earned top honors. We’re proud to celebrate their success and are inspired by their leadership.”
This year’s rankings are representative of Effie Awards finalists and winners determined between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
Most Effective Marketers
Top 5: AB InBev, McDonald’s, Unilever, PepsiCo, Mondelēz International
Once again, FMCG/CPG, QSR, and personal care brands dominated the rankings, with AB InBev maintaining its leadership position as the most effective marketer for the fourth consecutive year. AB InBev was followed closely by McDonald’s, which climbed to second place, and Unilever, which moved to the third position. PepsiCo remained amongst the top at number four, while Mondelēz International made a strong showing to round out the top five marketers.
Most Effective Brands
Top 5: McDonald’s, Dove, KFC, Samsung, O Boticário
In the brand category, McDonald’s once again earned the top spot as the most effective brand globally, reflecting its sustained investment in effectiveness-driven marketing. Dove made a significant leap into second place, signaling strong consumer engagement and the impact of purpose-led brand communications. KFC held steady among top brands in third, while Samsung came in fourth place with innovative, high-impact campaigns. Brazil’s O Boticário secured the fifth spot, reinforcing the strength of Latin American brands on a global stage.
Most Effective Agency Holding Groups
Top 5: Omnicom, WPP, Publicis Groupe, Interpublic Group (IPG), Dentsu
Omnicom retained its position as the most effective agency holding group, ahead of WPP and Publicis Groupe, which held the second and third spots respectively. Interpublic Group (IPG) and Dentsu completed the top five, each demonstrating robust global performance across markets.
Most Effective Agency Networks
Top 5: Ogilvy, McCann Worldgroup, BBDO Worldwide, DDB Worldwide, VML
For agency networks, Ogilvy rose to the top in 2024, driven by standout campaigns and consistently effective work across multiple regions. It was followed by McCann Worldgroup, BBDO Worldwide, DDB Worldwide, and VML, which made its debut in the top five following a period of transformation and global expansion.
Most Effective Agency Offices
Top 5: AlmapBBDO (São Paulo, Brazil), Ogilvy (Mumbai, India), Leo Burnett (Mumbai, India), McCann (Gurugram, India), Leo Burnett (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
At the agency office level, AlmapBBDO in São Paulo, Brazil, held onto the top spot as the most effective individual agency office. They were followed by Ogilvy Mumbai and Leo Burnett Mumbai, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global effectiveness conversation. McCann Gurugram remained among the top as this year’s number four spot, followed by Leo Burnett Dubai, as number five.
Most Effective Independent Agencies
Top 5: Mischief @ No Fixed Address (Brooklyn, NY, United States), ISLA (Mexico City, Mexico), ISLA (Buenos Aires, Argentina), The Womb (Mumbai, India), Soko (São Paulo, Brazil)
Among independent agencies, Mischief @ No Fixed Address, based in Brooklyn, New York, earned the distinction of being the most effective in the world. The agency’s creative innovation and performance-driven approach propelled it to the top just five years after its founding. Latin American agencies also made a strong impact, with ISLA achieving dual recognition for its offices in Mexico City and Buenos Aires. The Womb in Mumbai and Soko in São Paulo completed the global top five, showcasing the global reach and innovation of independent agencies.
2024 Regional Rankings
Asia Pacific
McDonald’s (marketer), McDonald’s (brand), WPP (holding group), Ogilvy (agency network), Ogilvy Mumbai (agency office), The Womb (independent agency).
Europe
McDonald’s (marketer), McDonald’s (brand), WPP (holding group), Publicis (agency network), Ogilvy Athens (agency office), Banda (independent agency).
Latin America
AB InBev (marketer), O Boticário (brand), Omnicom (holding group), BBDO Worldwide (agency network), AlmapBBDO (agency office), ISLA Mexico (independent agency).
Middle East & Africa
AB InBev (marketer), Yas Island (brand), Publicis Groupe (holding group), Leo Burnett Worldwide (agency network), Leo Burnett Dubai (agency office), People of the Internet (independent agency).
North America
McDonald’s (marketer), McDonald’s (brand), IPG (holding group), McCann Worldgroup (agency network), Mischief @ No Fixed Address (agency office & independent agency).
To view the complete rankings and learn more about how rankings are compiled, visit effieindex.com.
*Please note: Effie Slovenia did not hold a competition during the 2024 Effie Index qualifying period. This year’s rankings also reflect the results of the 2024 Global Best of the Best Effie Awards.
EFFIE AWARDS SA ANNOUNCES JURY PANEL 2025
Effie Awards South Africa Announces 2025 Jury Panel
Johannesburg, 05 June, 2025 Effie South Africa, hosted by the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), has announced the full jury panel for the 2025 Effie Awards programme, with this year’s theme reminding us that “You Can’t Fake Real Impact.” The Effie Awards remain the globally recognised benchmark for marketing effectiveness, rewarding ideas that are grounded in insight, fuelled by creativity, and proven to deliver real business results.
Returning to lead the adjudication process are Jury Co-Chairs Refilwe Maluleke, Executive Head of Marketing at Discovery Health, and Ahmed Tilly, Creative Advisor and Director at Number 10 – A Creative Consultancy.
Refilwe Maluleke commented:
“Great marketing doesn’t just make noise—it makes impact. The Effies celebrating marketing effectiveness is critical to our industry because it proves that creativity can drive results, strategy can spark growth, and every campaign can be a catalyst for real-world impact..”
Ahmed Tilly added:
“Advertising that works has been the order of the day for the past 10 years. Now, the need from brands is for advertising and marketing to go beyond just working. We need to shift needles. The survival of business depends on it, especially in a new and unpredictable world. And for that to happen, wildly creative, delightfully surprising and shockingly authentic creativity is required. Effies 2025 will celebrate that calibre of work because that’s what it will take to give our community any place in the future.”
2025 Effie Jury
The Effie South Africa jury comprises leaders across the marketing and communications ecosystem—drawn from brand, agency, media, research, and strategic roles. Judges are selected for their track record, depth of experience, and understanding of effectiveness.
Round One judges will review all eligible cases, with Round Two handled by a more senior group of jurors tasked with evaluating the highest-scoring campaigns to determine the finalists and winners. The Grand Effie Jury—a separate and senior panel—will be announced in the coming weeks.
Round One Judging takes place on 10 July, followed by Round Two on 24 July. The Effie Awards Gala will be held on 23 October 2025.
A full list of 2025 Effie Judges is included below.
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Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA, which hosts the Effie Awards South Africa, noted:
“Effie Awards South Africa is proud to once again honour effectiveness as the true measure of marketing success. The calibre of this year’s jury reflects the diversity of disciplines that power great work—from data, strategy and media to creative and brand leadership. We thank them for devoting their time and expertise to this critical process. The value lies not only in awarding work that works—but in interrogating, uncovering and challenging the thinking behind it.”
Effie Awards South Africa is proudly sponsored by Nedbank, SAB, Unilever, GIB Insurance, and Investec.
Rightford concluded:
“We look forward to uncovering the strongest campaigns, and in so doing celebrating the agency–client partnerships that have created the most effective campaigns in South Africa.”
For more information visit the Effie South Africa website at www.effieawards.co.za or visit www.acasa.co.za.
Join the conversation – #EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to keep up to date on the latest developments.
2024 EFFIE SOUTH AFRICA IPSOS TRENDS REPORT REVEALS WHAT DRIVES EFFECTIVE MARKETING
Johannesburg, April 2025 – The 2024 Effie Awards South Africa Ipsos Trends Report, launched during a webinar hosted by Effie South Africa on 27 March and presented by Ipsos, offers key insights into what sets effective campaigns apart – making it a valuable resource for any campaign that seeks to resonate, connect with audiences and drive effectiveness in marketing communication. Naturally, it is of particular relevance for those preparing entries into the 2025 Effie Awards South Africa.
Gillian Rightford, ACA CEO and Effie South Africa lead, commented: “The value of this report lies not only in its strategic insight, but in its timing. As we enter the 2025 Effie Awards South Africa season, these findings provide both inspiration and practical direction for creating work that works. At the heart of every Effie Award lies a simple yet profound truth: real marketing effectiveness matters. Our continued partnership with Ipsos allows us to ground effectiveness in evidence—and that’s what the Effies are all about.”
Focusing on Effie’s core judging pillars – Challenge, Context and Objectives; Insights & Strategic Idea; Bringing the Strategy & Idea to Life; and Results – with additional insights into creative content, the report provides a clear view of the strategic shifts, creative decisions, and executional excellence that characterised last year’s most effective ad campaigns. The research from Ipsos in distilling learnings from the winners provides a roadmap for future success, helping brands and agencies sharpen their focus on what truly moves the needle.
Key findings from the report include:
• Creativity is the ultimate differentiator Distinctive, memorable advertising is more effective than simply increasing media spend. Being remembered matters more than just being seen.
• Emotional connection drives success Ads that resonate on a deeper level, whether through storytelling, tension, or social responsibility, build stronger brand loyalty and influence consumer choice.
• Brand purpose fuels growth Businesses that align with social good and solve real problems grow faster and earn greater consumer trust. Purpose-driven brands stand out and thrive.
• Celebrity endorsements need strategic fit Simply featuring a famous face isn’t enough; the connection between the celebrity, the brand, and the message must feel authentic to be effective.
Quantin Montello, Creative Excellence Lead at Ipsos SA, said: “This year’s Effie winners reaffirm the global truth we’ve long observed: creativity and empathy are the true drivers of marketing effectiveness. Campaigns that challenge norms and engage audiences meaningfully are delivering disproportionate results.
Download the full 2024 Effie Ipsos Trends Report HERE
The 2025 Effie Awards South Africa entry period opens on 3 April 2025, with final entries due by 28 May 2025. The eligibility window includes campaigns that ran between 1 February 2024 and 31 January 2025.
The 2025 Effie Awards are proudly hosted by the ACA, and sponsored by Nedbank, SAB,
Unilever, GIB Insurance, with in-kind sponsorship by Lobengula Advertising.
Effie South Africa is also calling for judges to be part of this year’s adjudication panels. If you’re a senior marketing or agency professional and would like to be considered, click here to apply.
For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za or www.acasa.co.za
Join the Conversation
#EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to stay updated.
EFFIE SOUTH AFRICA AND IPSOS TO UNVEIL 2024 TRENDS AND INSIGHTS REPORT
Johannesburg, March 2025 – Effie South Africa in partnership with Ipsos, is proud to present the annual Effie SA Trends Report Webinar, offering an exclusive look at the strategies behind South Africa’s most effective marketing campaigns of 2024. Building on the success of the 2023 report, this year’s Effie South Africa Ipsos Trends and Insights Report will be presented on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 10:30 – 11:30 via webinar, providing key learnings and data-driven insights to help marketers and agencies refine their approach to creative effectiveness.
This highly anticipated session provides a data-driven analysis of the year’s top-performing campaigns, unpacking the insights, strategic rigor, and creative effectiveness that led to success. The insights from this report serve as a valuable source of inspiration for marketers and agencies in constant pursuit of delivering real business results.
As entries for the 2025 Effie Awards South Africa open soon, this session is a must-attend for marketers and agencies looking to craft award-winning strategies. The report will explore:
- Data-backed trends of the evolving marketing landscape and key factors driving effectiveness
- Strategic insights that elevate campaigns from concept to impact
- How creativity, media, and execution contribute to long-term brand success
- Case studies and key takeaways from high-performing campaigns
The Effie South Africa Ipsos Trends and Insights Report serves as a critical resource for industry professionals, helping brands and agencies refine their strategic approach and maximise campaign impact.
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain exclusive insights into the latest marketing effectiveness trends.
To RSVP, please register HERE
Entry Dates and Deadlines:
- Early Bird Entries: 3 – 30 April 2025 (Deadline by 00:00)
- On-Time Entries: 1 – 14 May 2025 (Deadline by 00:00)
- Last Minute Entries: 15 – 28 May 2025 (Deadline by 00:00)
For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za or www.acasa.co.za
Join the Conversation
#EffieAwardsSAFollow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to stay updated.
2025 EFFIE AWARDS SA: ENTRY DATES ANNOUNCED
Effie South Africa has issued the 2025 Effie Awards South Africa Programme call for entries. Entries will be accepted from 3 April to 28 May 2025.
‘How to Write a Winning Effie Entry’ Workshop will be held Wednesday, 19 March 2025. Click here to register.
Johannesburg, March 2025 – Effie South Africa has announced the formal call for entries for the Effie Awards 2025 programme. Effie South Africa invites agencies, clients, media partners, and start-ups to showcase their strategic and creative marketing prowess. The programme, part of the global Effie community, stands as a testament to the local industry’s commitment to delivering effective campaigns. Effie is a global forum that exists to lead, inspire, and champion both the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness.
Campaigns that ran from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025 are eligible to enter, with the submission of cases via the entry portal taking place from 3 April to 28 May 2025. Entrants will need to demonstrate the impact of their marketing initiatives, providing evidence of how their campaigns delivered measurable business results.
To be considered for an Effie, cases must state clear objectives and offer proof of having met or exceeded them. Judging procedures are based on objective evidence of performance against goals. Winning or becoming a finalist in the Effie Awards South Africa 2025 is a mark of distinction, recognising marketing effectiveness and the ability to create work that truly delivers. Winners and finalists also earn points towards the globally recognised Effie Index, reinforcing the impact of South African campaigns on the international stage and highlighting the country’s position as a force in marketing effectiveness.
Entry Dates and Deadlines:
• Early Bird Entries: 3 – 30 April 2025 (Deadline by 00:00)
• On-Time Entries: 1 – 14 May 2025 (Deadline by 00:00)
• Last Minute Entries: 15 – 28 May 2025 (Deadline by 00:00)
Agency and Client partner teams are encouraged to take advantage of the Early Bird period and submit their entries promptly. Acceptance of entries via the Effie Awards South Africa online entry portal will close strictly at midnight on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director, remarks, “Following the great success and growth of the 2024 Effie Awards programme, we are excited to build on this momentum in 2025. Last year, we saw a record number of entries, a broadening of the industry’s participation, and a growing recognition of the value that effectiveness brings to marketing. This year, we look forward to further strengthening this platform, showcasing the very best in marketing effectiveness and celebrating those who drive real impact.”
As has been the case in the past, entrants can anticipate over 70 categories across two groups, namely Products & Services and Specialty Categories, providing a comprehensive range to
showcase various aspects of marketing effectiveness. For detailed information on entry categories, submission guidelines, and to initiate the entry process, visit the “How to Enter” tab on the Effie South Africa website.
Effie Entry Workshop: How to Write a Winning Effie Entry
The ‘How to Write a Winning Effie Entry’ Workshop will provide invaluable insights into what makes a winning Effie case, covering best practices, key judging criteria, and expert tips to strengthen entries. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to articulate marketing effectiveness and demonstrate tangible business impact – critical components of an Effie-winning case. In addition, the session will guide entrants through the necessary entry documents to ensure a smooth submission process.
Presented by Gillian Rightford, the workshop will take place online on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, from 13:00 – 14:00. To register your interest, please email melanie@acasa.co.za.
Rightford concludes, “Now is the time to step forward and demonstrate marketing that delivers real results. The Effie Awards provide a unique platform to showcase effectiveness, and we encourage all agencies and clients to put their best work forward. Moreover, we are excited about new developments coming from Effie South Africa that will further strengthen and extend the programme. These initiatives will not only elevate the standard of marketing effectiveness but also provide even greater value to the industry.”
For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za or www.acasa.co.za
Join the Conversation:
#EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to stay updated.
LOBENGULA POWERS EFFIE AWARDS SOUTH AFRICA TO GREATER INDUSTRY IMPACT
Johannesburg, February, 2025 – The 2024 Effie Awards South Africa campaign set out with a critical challenge: to reignite industry participation, elevate awareness, and position the Effies as the premier recognition of marketing effectiveness. Tasked with delivering a campaign that would drive meaningful results, Lobengula Advertising developed a pro bono creative strategy that not only met but exceeded expectations—surpassing the 15% growth target, with 78 entries received.
Turning a Challenge into an Opportunity
With entry numbers stagnant in previous years, the task for 2024 was clear: how do you make an award known for its rigorous standards the one that marketers and agencies aspire to win?
Lobengula Advertising approached this by applying a structured strategic framework to the campaign:
• Objective: Drive a 15% increase in entries and elevate the Effies as the premier marketing effectiveness award.
• Challenge: The Effies’ prestige makes them highly desirable, but also daunting—many marketers and agencies shy away from entering due to the perceived difficulty of winning.
• Insight: When something feels unattainable, people often desire it even more. The harder the challenge, the greater the perceived value of achieving it.
• Strategic Idea: Position the Effies as the ultimate validation of marketing impact, where winners don’t just receive an award—they prove their work delivers real business results.
Lobengula brought this thinking to life through the big idea: “Some Things You Can’t Fake.” The campaign played to the unique credibility of the Effies—where winning isn’t about perception but proven effectiveness. Unlike other awards, where creativity is subjective, Effie winners have the results to back it up.
Delivering Measurable Impact
The 2024 campaign successfully lifted participation, heightened engagement, and reinforced the Effies’ credibility as the industry’s definitive effectiveness award:
• Surpassed the 15% growth target, with 78 entries received.
• Increased engagement from agencies and marketers, reaffirming the awards’ prestige.
• Broadened participation in the judging process, strengthening industry involvement.
“Lobengula’s campaign was instrumental in elevating the Effie Awards South Africa,” says Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA. “Their insight-driven approach helped drive higher entry numbers, increased engagement from key industry players, and reinforced the Effies’ role as the benchmark for marketing effectiveness. Their ability to interpret the brief and execute it with precision was invaluable.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 to Build on a Successful Campaign
Following the success of the 2024 campaign, Lobengula Advertising will once again lead the creative execution for Effie South Africa in 2025.
While continuing to build on the “Some Things You Can’t Fake” positioning, the 2025 campaign will shift focus towards reinforcing the return on investment (ROI) for agencies and brands entering the Effies. With a stretch target of 100 entries, the campaign will highlight the strategic value of winning an Effie—positioning it as the award that offers the strongest business case for industry recognition.
With marketing budgets under increasing scrutiny, the Effies will be presented as the best investment for agencies and marketers, validating their work through measurable impact rather than subjective opinion.
A Testament to Strategic and Creative Excellence
Lobengula Advertising’s ability to translate strategic objectives into impactful creative showcases a deep understanding of marketing effectiveness. Their commitment to delivering against a rigorous brief with precision and insight is a testament to their dedication to meaningful industry impact.
“This campaign wasn’t just about driving entries—it was about reinforcing the Effies as the industry’s gold standard for effectiveness,” adds Brenda Khumalo, Founder and Managing Director of Lobengula Advertising. “The Effies celebrate work that delivers real business results, and we’re proud to continue crafting campaigns that reflect that standard.”
With momentum on their side, the 2025 Effie Awards South Africa campaign aims to raise the bar even higher—continuing to build an awards programme that celebrates the very best in marketing effectiveness.
View the 2024 Effie Awards South Africa Magazine HERE to get a more detailed look at the 2024 Effie Awards Programme.
For more information, visit the Effie South Africa website at www.effieawards.co.za or www.acasa.co.za.
Join the conversation – #EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and @EffieAwardsSA on X to keep up to date on the latest developments.
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About Effie®
Effie is a global organisation whose purpose is to lead and evolve the forum for marketing effectiveness. Effie leads, inspires and champions the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness through education, awards, ever-evolving thought leadership initiatives and first-class insights into marketing strategies that produce results. The organization recognizes the most effective brands, marketers and agencies, globally, regionally and locally through its 50+ award programs across the world and through its coveted effectiveness rankings, the Effie Index. Since 1968, Effie is known as global symbol of achievement, while serving as a resource to steer the future of marketing success. For more details, visit effie.org.
About the ACA
The ACA is the official representative body for the Communications and Advertising profession in South Africa, representing agencies in the profession to government, media and the public. The ACA is a voluntary body formed by and for the industry, focused on and committed to self-regulation and to defending the highest standards of ethical practice.
For more about the ACA visit www.acasa.co.za or call the ACA on (010) 880 3399
Johannesburg, February 2025 – The Effie Awards South Africa, hosted by The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), is calling on marketing and communications professionals to apply for a coveted place on the 2025 Effie Awards South Africa jury.
Recognised globally as the benchmark for marketing effectiveness, the Effie Awards celebrate campaigns that have delivered measurable impact. Judging is conducted by a panel of senior industry leaders who evaluate entries based on the strength of their strategic thinking, creative execution, and tangible results.
“The integrity and success of the Effie Awards lie in the calibre of its jury. In 2024, we were privileged to have an exceptionally high-level panel, including industry leaders from diverse marketing disciplines. Under the expert guidance of Jury Co-Chairs Refilwe Maluleke and Ahmed Tilly, the jury engaged in robust deliberations, setting a strong precedent for effectiveness evaluation. We are delighted that both Refilwe and Ahmed have agreed to continue as Jury Co-Chairs for 2025, bringing their extensive experience and leadership to the process once again,” says Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA.
The Judging Process
The rigorous adjudication process consists of two rounds:
Round 1: Senior marketing and agency professionals assess entries based on evidence that commercial communication was key to the campaign’s success.
Round 2: Top-level executives evaluate the strongest cases, identifying finalists and category winners.
Grand Jury: A select panel of C-suite leaders determines whether any campaign demonstrates an extraordinary level of marketing effectiveness, awarding a Grand Effie only if a case meets the highest standard of excellence.
Who Should Apply?
The Effie South Africa jury is composed of seasoned professionals with a proven track record in marketing effectiveness. Eligibility criteria include:
- Agency representatives: Senior strategists and creative directors for Round 1; C-suite executives for Round 2.
- Client-side representatives: Senior management for Round 1; top-level marketing executives for Round 2.
- Industry professionals: Research organisations, academics, and media experts are encouraged to apply.
- Inclusive representation: Agencies from all specialisations – including PR, digital, media, and integrated agencies—are welcome to participate.
“To truly reflect the diversity of our industry, we need a broad spectrum of jury members. We encourage strategists, creative directors, marketers, media professionals, research specialists, and academics to apply. Effective marketing is shaped by multiple disciplines, and we want our jury to embody this richness of expertise,” adds Rightford.
Key Dates – Effie Awards South Africa 2025
- Judges Application Deadline – 8th May 2025
- Jury Induction/Workshop – 24th June 2025
- Round 1 – Cases to Jury 26th June 2025 / Jury Discussion 10th July 2025
- Round 2 – Cases to Jury 24th July, / Jury Discussion 5th August 2025
- Grand Effie Judging – 28th August 2025
How to Apply
Marketing and agency professionals interested in shaping the future of marketing effectiveness are invited to submit their applications online via the Judges tab on the Effie South Africa website by clicking HERE. The deadline for applications is 17h00 on 8th May 2025.
For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za or www.acasa.co.za
Join the Conversation
#EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to stay updated.
About Effie®
Effie is a global organisation whose purpose is to lead and evolve the forum for marketing effectiveness. Effie leads, inspires and champions the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness through education, awards, ever-evolving thought leadership initiatives and first-class insights into marketing strategies that produce results. The organization recognizes the most effective brands, marketers and agencies, globally, regionally and locally through its 50+ award programs across the world and through its coveted effectiveness rankings, the Effie Index. Since 1968, Effie is known as global symbol of achievement, while serving as a resource to steer the future of marketing success. For more details, visit effie.org.
About the ACA
The ACA is the official representative body for the Communications and Advertising profession in South Africa, representing agencies in the profession to government, media and the public. The ACA is a voluntary body formed by and for the industry, focused on and committed to self-regulation and to defending the highest standards of ethical practice.
For more about the ACA visit www.acasa.co.za or call the ACA on (010) 880 3399CALL FOR JUDGES: EFFIE AWARDS SOUTH AFRICA 2025
ANNOUNCING THE 2024 EFFIE AWARDS SOUTH AFRICA WINNERS
Johannesburg, 25 October 2024 – The 2024 Effie Awards South Africa Gala, held on the 24th of October at The Tryst in Woodmead, Johannesburg, celebrated outstanding marketing effectiveness. Agencies, brands, and their clients were recognised for campaigns that delivered measurable impact. Hosted by celebrated South African comedian and television personality Mpho Popps, the evening was a celebration of creativity, strategic excellence, and the results that truly matter in an increasingly fragmented marketing landscape.
A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of the prestigious Grand Effie – the top award recognising the most effective campaign of the year. The Effie Grand Jury adjudicated Halo and Pineapple’s “100% Pure Results: How Challenger Brand Pineapple Disrupted the Insurance Industry” campaign to be the most effective campaign of 2024, highlighting the campaign’s remarkable business impact.
Effectiveness: The New Gold Standard
In today’s marketing landscape, effectiveness is the ultimate measure of success. Campaigns that win Effie Awards demonstrate that they’ve delivered real, tangible results—whether through increased sales, brand growth, consumer engagement, or shifts in market share. Winning an Effie is about more than just creative execution; it is about campaigns that make a measurable difference in business performance.
Gillian Rightford, Executive Director at the ACA, highlighted the importance of marketing effectiveness: “Effectiveness is no longer a nice-to-have—it is the future of our industry. The campaigns celebrated tonight have not only demonstrated creativity but also proven their impact on the bottom line. Winning an Effie is a mark of true success, recognising that these campaigns achieved what they set out to do: drive results that matter. Congratulations to all our winners, whose work inspires the industry to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Effectiveness is the currency for success.”
Refilwe Maluleke, Jury Co-Chair, noted the unique value of the Effie Awards: “The Effies exist to highlight and celebrate work that not only delivers creatively, but demonstrably drives success in whatever way your organisation measures it. This year’s entries have shown incredible creativity and impressive business results. The strongest case studies not only showcased great work but also demonstrated what they had to overcome to achieve their results. It was a privilege to engage with such an excellent set of cases.”
Ahmed Tilly, Jury Co-Chair, reflected on the role of creativity: “Creativity is the answer to business challenges. The 2024 Effie award winners created campaigns that were surprising, evocative, contagious, and smart, yet simple. Most importantly, all the winners produced incredible results because they ventured outside the comfort zone. Creativity works better—it’s an indisputable fact. Kudos to the clients who made this work happen.” During his address, Tilly further challenged clients to be brave, bold and supportive of their agencies. Agencies have the ability to deliver outstanding, creatively effective work, but that it the clients that are the ultimate gatekeepers for great work.
2024 Effie Awards South Africa Winners Table
| AWARD | AGENCY | CLIENT | BRAND | CAMPAIGN | CATEGORY |
| Grand Effie | Halo | Pineapple | Pineapple | 100% Pure Results: How Challenger Brand Pineapple Disrupted the Insurance Industry | Challenger Brand Solution / Commerce & Shopper Effies |
| Gold | Halo | Capital Legacy | Capital Legacy | Where There’s A Will, There’s Results: How Changing How We Spoke About Death Helped Capital Legacy Draft More Wills Than Ever Before | Finance |
| Gold | Ogilvy | SAB (AB InBev) | Castle Lager | Bread of the Nation | Social Good – Brands / Positive Change |
| Gold | Ogilvy | SAB (AB InBev) | Carling Black Label | Carling Cup 2023 – Fak’UGesi (Bring The Energy) | Experiential Marketing: Live & Digital |
| Silver | Retroviral | SAB (AB InBev) | Castle Lager | The GranBoks | Beverages – Alcohol |
| Silver | Ogilvy | SAB (AB InBev) | Castle Lager | Bread of the Nation | Beverages – Alcohol |
| Silver | Ogilvy | KFC South Africa | KFC | How KFC disrupted the breakfast category and changed it forever! | Marketing Disruptors |
| Silver | Ogilvy | KFC South Africa | KFC | How KFC took on the breakfast category, changed its fortune and the category forever! | Restaurants |
| Silver | Joe Public | SAB (AB InBev) | Brutal Fruit Spritzer | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Experiential Marketing: Live & Digital |
| Silver | Joe Public | SAB (AB InBev) | Brutal Fruit Spritzer | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Timely Opportunity |
| Bronze | 99cents | Shoprite Group of Companies | Checkers | Checkers Xtra Savings Plus – Mission Impossible Made Possible | Retail |
| Bronze | Ogilvy | PEP | PEP | PEP Changing Station | Timely Opportunity |
| Bronze | Ogilvy | KFC South Africa | KFC SA | Made in Culture: How KFC debuted the Uncle Waffles burger | Social Media |
| Bronze | Ogilvy | Mondelez International SA | Cadbury Dairy Milk | When Mzansi’s Generosity was lost, Cadbury put generosity back on the Map for Every South African | Engaged Community |
| Bronze | Ogilvy | KFC South Africa | KFC | When two icons meet: KFC x Uncle Waffles presents a burger made in culture | Influencer Marketing |
| Bronze | Joe Public | SAB (AB InBev) | Brutal Fruit Spritzer | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Seasonal Marketing – Products, Services |
| Bronze | Joe Public | SAB (AB InBev) | Brutal Fruit Spritzer | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Social Good – Brands / Positive Change |
| Bronze | Joe Public | Chicken Licken | Chicken Licken | Chicken Licken Easy Bucks®️ | Restaurants |
| Bronze | Ogilvy | SAB (AB InBev) | Castle Lager | Bread of the Nation | Marketing Innovation Solutions |
Looking Ahead: Co-Chairs for 2025
During the gala, it was confirmed that the 2024 Jury Co-Chairs, Refilwe Maluleke, Executive Head of Marketing at Discovery Health, and Ahmed Tilly, Creative Advisor at Number 10 – A Creative Consultancy, have agreed to continue in their roles as Co-Chairs for the 2025 Effie Awards programme. Their leadership has been instrumental in guiding the judging process, ensuring the highest standards of adjudication.
The Effie Awards South Africa is hosted by the ACA and proudly sponsored by Nedbank, PepsiCo, SAB, SABC, Unilever, GIB Insurance, and Investec.
Sharleen James, ACA Chairperson, expressed her gratitude: “A huge thank you to the Effie South Africa committee for their tireless work in making this year’s awards a success. The Effie Awards are an essential platform for recognising the power of marketing effectiveness and its contribution to business growth. As the ACA, we are proud to support this programme, which showcases the best of our industry’s creativity and strategic thinking, elevating South Africa’s marketing and advertising standards on a global scale.”
View the 2024 Effie Awards South Africa Magazine HERE
For more information, visit the Effie South Africa website at www.effieawards.co.za or www.acasa.co.za.
Join the conversation – #EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and @EffieAwardsSA on X to keep up to date on the latest developments.
EFFIE AWARDS SOUTH AFRICA FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
The Best of Marketing: 2024 Effie Awards Finalists Announced
Johannesburg, August 15, 2024 – Effie South Africa is pleased to announce the 26 finalists in the 2024 Effie Awards South Africa programme following the first round of judging which took place at the end of July. Effie Awards finalists earn points toward the global Effie Index and attaining finalist status ensures that agency and client partnerships are globally recognized for having implemented campaigns that delivered against business objectives.
This year, a total of 78 entries across 39 categories were adjudicated by a highly experienced and distinguished panel, representative of the broader industry. Jury members were drawn from a variety of disciplines including strategy, digital, creative, research, media, and marketing.
Tasked with reading through and adjudicating the cases submitted in the 2024 programme, the jury reached agreement on those campaigns that delivered against marketing effectiveness and deemed worthy of being named as finalists. All finalists will proceed to the second round of judging and are in the running to be awarded a highly coveted Effie Award. Winners of the 2024 programme will be announced at the Effie Awards Gala event to be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The 2024 Effie Awards South Africa marks the fourth edition of this highly respected programme, which continues to grow from strength to strength. This year witnessed a substantial increase in total submissions from a record number of unique entrants drawn from agencies representing advertising and marketing, PR and media verticals, and client side. This diversity underscores the increasing emphasis being placed on marketing effectiveness, reflecting the industry’s commitment to recognizing impactful and strategically sound campaigns.
Gillian Rightford, Executive Director at the ACA, commented, “Achieving finalist status in the Effie Awards is a significant accomplishment. It not only highlights the creative and strategic prowess of the agencies and their clients but also underscores their ability to drive tangible business results. Being recognised as a finalist is, in itself, a valuable marker of success and a testament to the effectiveness of their campaigns.”
The 2024 Effie Awards Finalists are:
| AGENCY | CAMPAIGN | CATEGORY | CLIENT |
| Ogilvy South Africa | Bread of the Nation | Beverages – Alcohol | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Retroviral | The GranBoks | Beverages – Alcohol | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Halo | 100% Pure Results: How Challenger Brand Pineapple Disrupted the Insurance Industry | Challenger Brand Solution / Commerce & Shopper Effies | Pineapple |
| Levergy | Stand Tall | Current Events | Telkom |
| Halo | 100% Pure Results: How Pineapple Took On Insurance Giants | David vs. Goliath (Traditional) | Pineapple |
| Ogilvy South Africa | When Mzansi’s Generosity was lost, Cadbury put generosity back on the Map for Every South African | Engaged Community | Cadbury Dairy Milk |
| Joe Public | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Experiential Marketing: Live & Digital | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Ogilvy South Africa | Carling Cup 2023 – Fak’UGesi (Bring The Energy) | Experiential Marketing: Live & Digital | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Halo | Where There’s A Will, There’s Results: How Changing How We Spoke About Death Helped Capital Legacy Draft More Wills Than Ever Before. | Finance | Capital Legacy |
| Joe Public | Nedbank eOfisini: How Nedbank departed from ad campaign to entertaining series and smashed targets | Finance | Nedbank |
| Ogilvy South Africa | When two icons meet: KFC x Uncle Waffles presents a burger made in culture | Influencer Marketing | KFC SA |
| Halo | 100% Pure Results: How Challenger Brand Pineapple Disrupted the Insurance Industry | Insurance | Pineapple |
| Ogilvy South Africa | How KFC disrupted the breakfast category and changed it forever! | Marketing Disruptors | KFC |
| Ogilvy South Africa | Bread of the Nation | Marketing Innovation Solutions | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Promise Group | Castle Lite_Extra Cold Certified | Marketing Innovation Solutions | SAB (AB InBev) |
| M&C Saatchi Abel | Simba x KFC Zinger Wings – Zinger for Longer | New Product or Service Introduction & New Product or Service Line Extension | Simba |
| Ogilvy South Africa | How KFC took on the breakfast category, changed its fortune and the category forever! | Restaurants | KFC |
| Joe Public | EasyBucks: Unbelievable but true results | Restaurants | Chicken Licken |
| 99cents | Checkers Xtra Savings Plus – Mission Impossible Made Possible | Retail | Checkers |
| Joe Public | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Seasonal Marketing – Products, Services | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Ogilvy South Africa | Bread of the Nation | Social Good – Brands / Positive Change | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Joe Public | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Social Good – Brands / Positive Change | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Joe Public | SAB SHARP – Zikhethele Isinqumo Ngesakho | Social Good – Brands / Positive Change | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Ogilvy South Africa | Made in Culture: How KFC debuted the Uncle Waffles burger | Social Media | KFC SA |
| Ogilvy South Africa | PEP Changing Station | Timely Opportunity | PEP |
| Joe Public | SheBeen: South Africa’s First-Ever Women-Only Bar | Timely Opportunity | SAB (AB InBev) |
| Ogilvy South Africa | Bread of the Nation | Beverages – Alcohol | SAB (AB InBev) |
“In today’s increasingly fragmented marketing environment, recognising and Awarding Ideas that Work® is more important than ever. The Effie Awards play a crucial role in highlighting campaigns that not only meet business objectives but also cut through the noise to reach consumers effectively.
As we look forward to the gala in October, we anticipate not only celebrating the success of our winners but also honouring the resilience and creativity of our entire industry. This celebration is a testament to the enduring power of impactful advertising and the shared commitment to excellence within our community,” adds Rightford.
The Effie Awards South Africa is hosted by the ACA and proudly sponsored by Nedbank, GIB Insurance, SAB, Investec, PepsiCo, Unilever.
For more information visit the Effie South Africa website at www.effieawards.co.za or visit www.acasa.co.za.
Join the conversation – #EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to keep up to date on the latest developments.
2024 EFFIE AWARDS SOUTH AFRICA GRAND JURY ANNOUNCEMENT
2024 Effie Awards South Africa Grand Jury Announced
Johannesburg, 12 August, 2024 – Effie South Africa is proud to announce the Grand Jury for the 2024 Effie Awards. Assembled to select the most effective marketing effort of the year, the Grand Effie Jury comprises eleven of the industry’s most distinguished leaders from diverse sectors, including creative agencies, marketing, and strategic planning.
The respected panel, chaired by Refilwe Maluleke, Executive Head of Marketing, Discovery Health and Ahmed Tilly, Creative Advisor, Number 10 – A Creative Consultancy will convene on September 2nd to review the 2024 Effie Gold winners and select the campaign that epitomises peak marketing effectiveness for the coveted Grand Effie Award.
Grand Jury Members:
- Carl Willoughby, Chief Creative Officer, TBWA
- Deshnie Govender, Head of Marketing, TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa
- Kagiso Musi, Group Managing Director, Meta Media
- Laurent Marty, Group Chief Strategic Officer, Joe Public
- Makosha Maja-Rasethaba, Head of Strategy & Chief Diversity Officer, M&C Saatchi Abel
- Neo Makhele, Strategy Director, Ogilvy
- Sbu Sitole, Chief Creative Officer, The Odd Number
- Tebogo Motsepe, Executive Head: Marketing Strategy, GMCA, Nedbank
- Thabang Skwambane, Chief Executive Officer, Nahana Communications Group
- Wendy Bedforth, Director: Castle Lager, Castle Milk Stout & Castle Double Malt, ABInBev
- Ana Carrapichano, Chief Executive Officer, Mediology
Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director for Effie South Africa, emphasized the importance of the Grand Jury’s role: “As we approach the culmination of this year’s Effie campaign, the role of the Grand Jury becomes paramount. Judging the most effective cases requires not only a deep understanding of market dynamics but also an appreciation of how strategy and creative execution influence results. It is crucial to have the best minds in the industry like our Grand Jury members to ensure that our highest accolade reflects the innovation and impact of truly effective marketing.”
The Effie Awards South Africa is hosted by the ACA and proudly sponsored by Nedbank, GIB Insurance, SAB, Investec, PepsiCo, Unilever.
The 2024 Effie Awards promises to be a remarkable celebration of strategic excellence and creativity in marketing. Effie South Africa looks forward to honouring the campaigns that have demonstrated outstanding effectiveness and contributed significantly to the continued advancement of our industry.
For more information visit the Effie South Africa website at www.effieawards.co.za or visit www.acasa.co.za.
Join the conversation – #EffieAwardsSA
Follow @EffieSouthAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and @EffieAwardsSA on X to keep up to date on the latest developments.
EFFIE WORLDWIDE TO JOIN ASCENTIAL’S LIONS DIVISION
EFFIE GLOBAL NEWSROOM: 08 August 2024
Global benchmark in Marketing Effectiveness to join Ascential’s LIONS Division to amplify offer for Marketing and Creative Industries
Effie Worldwide to Join Ascential’s LIONS Division!
Effie Worldwide, the global benchmark in marketing effectiveness, is set to join Ascential’s LIONS Division, which champions creative marketing that drives growth. This acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, brings together two powerhouses in the marketing industry, with Effie renowned for hosting the largest and most prestigious marketing effectiveness awards globally, and providing insights from over 125 markets. Effie will continue to be led by Traci Alford, President and CEO.
In addition to the acquisition, Ascential will embark on a long-term partnership with the not-for-profit Effie Worldwide, Inc., transforming it into The Effie LIONS Foundation, Inc. This new foundation will focus on educating the next generation of marketing talent, especially those under-represented in the marketing community. It will offer training for marketing students and house LIONS’ existing not-for-profit initiatives, providing access to some of the LIONS Division digital products and maximizing reinvestment in the industry.
Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential, highlighted that this partnership underscores the intrinsic link between effectiveness and creativity in marketing. The collaboration will enhance the insights and intelligence offered by LIONS through platforms like WARC, The Work, and Contagious.
Traci Alford, President and CEO of Effie Worldwide, expressed excitement about the synergies between Effie and LIONS, which will help dissect the role of creativity in driving marketing effectiveness and support businesses in understanding key drivers of growth.
For more details, please visit Ascential’s website or the Effie Global Newsroom.