Meet Our Judges

Cathy Collier
CEO
OMD

The break-neck pace of change in technology and media consumption has outpaced how marketers plan their communications.  As CEO of OMD Canada, Cathy Collier, is at the helm of Canada’s largest and most successful media organization. OMD combines innovation, creativity, empathy and evidence to “Create What’s Next” on behalf of their incredible roster clients.

Under Cathy’s leadership, OMD is transforming into a new type of communication agency, leveraging the most sophisticated media data and technology platform in the Canadian market and complimented by a people-first planning process.  By putting a deep focus on reaching attentive people and not just screens, OMD is putting out the most effective and powerful campaigns in its successful history.  

Cathy is active in advancing the Canadian media industry. She was the Board Chair of Numeris for the past eight years, Chaired the Canadian Young Media Lions competition for the past 10+ years and has judged many award shows including twice Co-chairing the Media Innovation Awards and twice judging the Cannes Media Lions festival. Cathy also sits on the Canada Cannes board helping to inspire the Canadian media community to be recognized on a global stage.

Armin Huska
Head Of Media & Agency Management
RBC

As Head of Media, Armin oversees media-strategy & channel-investment of RBC, whilst also leading the relationships with key media- & agency-partners of the bank.

He has been engaged in media & marketing across the globe for most of his career and worked with or for some of the world’s greatest brands/agencies & media-publishers, transforming their approach to marketing-strategies, digital media, analytics, ad-tech and more. He is a
trusted advisor to marketing-executives, international media & publishing companies,
legislators/regulators, investors, and the wider advertising-community.

Denise Dias
VP, Marketing and Communications
The Terry Fox Foundation

Denise Dias is a seasoned marketing and communications professional who has led large-scale and award-winning campaigns, including some of the most successful fundraising and awareness initiatives in Canadian history. She is currently the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Terry Fox Foundation, overseeing all aspects of its global brand, marketing, public relations, and digital strategies to increase community engagement and support. Prior to joining the Terry Fox Foundation, Denise held diverse leadership positions in both the corporate and non-profit sectors at the Royal Ontario Museum, Edelman Canada, Rethink, and GCI Canada. Throughout her career, she has spoken at global conferences, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Toronto, Communicating the Arts in Berlin, and the United Nations in New York. Denise is also a published author of multiple children’s books, a past travel and fashion columnist for Canada’s largest daily newspaper, and an accomplished writer with work appearing in the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Toronto Life, and HGTV. She was named a Top 40 Under 40 honouree by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy in 2021 and an Emerging Leader by The Peak in 2023. 

Daniel Gotlib
Vice President of Marketing & Strategy
Kraft Heinz

Daniel is currently the Vice President of Marketing & Strategy for Canada at Kraft Heinz leading a team of brilliant and passionate marketers in category, innovation, and communication. He has over 15 years of experience in CPG & Retail focusing on General Management, Brand Building, Disruption, Innovation, and Communications. Daniel is a recognized and award winning marketer who has had the pleasure of leading transformation on iconic brands including HEINZ, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Kraft Dinner, Kraft Peanut Butter, CRAVE, Kraft Salad Dressing, Classico, and most recently bringing Lunchables back to Canada.

Robert Jenkyn
President
Horizon Media

Robert Jenkyn is the newly installed President of Horizon Media’s Canadian operations.
A recognized leader in the Canadian media landscape with over 30-years of experience, Robert
brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. His
strategic vision and innovative approach have consistently strengthened brands by aligning
client objectives with agency capabilities.

Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex media
landscapes, develop cutting-edge strategies, and drive impactful results. As Chief Executive
Officer of Media Experts, Robert led the company's transformation into a data-driven, client-centric media agency, positioning it for success in an ever-evolving industry. Additionally, as Senior Vice President of Digital for Media Experts, he played a pivotal role in expanding the
agency's digital capabilities and spearheading groundbreaking initiatives.

Robert’s diverse experience spans both the vendor and non-profit sectors. He has driven digital
initiatives for major players like Excite Canada, Standard Interactive, Microsoft, and The Globe
and Mail. He is a past Board Chair for Vividata, as well as a current board member of the Merit
Award Bursary Program, a charity promoting continued education for at-risk students in the
Greater Toronto Area.  Additionally, he has served on the jury panels for numerous Canadian
and international media awards.

Brock Leeson
Partner
Jungle Media

With 2 decades of experience across the media industry, Brock is SVP, Product and Innovation for Plus Company Media working with Cossette and Jungle Media. Brock strategically guides clients through everything from digital transformations to next generation performance marketing. His proven track record includes developing and implementing future focused digital strategies for local and global companies like Nike, IKEA, Telus, Little Caesars, and Capital One with a focus on measurable results to ensure clients achieve a maximized return in today's dynamic media landscape.

Elizabeth Lem
SVP, Client Experience
Havas Media

Elizabeth, most often called Liz, brings nearly 20 years of industry experience, working across some of Canada's top agencies, including Mediacom, OMD, m/SIX and Havas Media. Her foundation started in direct response and digital, as an early adopter of measurable media. Her performance foundation soon carried into a wide range of brands looking to ground their approach in data. Over her progressive career, Liz has held various positions across the agency including buying, planning, strategy, and leadership. Liz’s category experience ranges from Luxury, Finance Services, Non-profit, B2B, Energy, Retail and CPG.

As SVP, Client Experience at Havas, Liz is a member of the Canadian Executive Leadership Team sitting in Toronto.  In addition, her role brings North American Client Leadership across brands in both the US & Canada.  

Liz prides herself on strong client relationships, team development, and bringing an ethical voice to the table, including a focus on equity and sustainability. 

Jennifer Lewis
Chief Client Officer
Carat

Jennifer Lewis is Chief Client Officer for Carat Canada. Jennifer brings her energy to supporting her clients and teams driving immediate, measurable results and setting the stage for long term brand growth. Jennifer has a breadth of experience in both Canada and the United States across a variety of categories including Automotive, Alcohol, Consumer Products, Entertainment, Finance, Retail and Travel categories.  She seeks unique perspectives, delving into the hearts and minds of consumers. To her, they’re not just data points; they’re humans with stories waiting to be told.

As a certified Co-Active and Inclusion coach, Jennifer brings coaching skills to her teams and is always working to identify new ways to see all consumers as humans first. Jennifer is living her goal to be a “Coach as Leader” who is brave, says the things that need to be said – and asks the questions that need to be asked.  Jennifer is a member of the Canadian Marketing Association Media Council and on the board of the Canadian Media Directors' Council.

Alexandra Panousis
Chief Growth Officer
Thinkingbox

Alex Panousis is an executive leader with over 20 years of expertise in media, digital technology, commerce and communications. She is known for driving growth by leading organizations through complex changes and helping brands and companies transform their businesses.

Alex has led teams at Publicis Media, Havas, Dentsu Media, the CBC, the National Post, and several start-ups. She serves on several industry boards, including Aftermetoo, NABS, The City of Toronto Moss Park, and most recently, joined the board of directors at Sampler, a Canadian
digital company that delivers data-driven product experiences and personalized relationships
between people and brands. Since 2017, she has been the volunteer community director and
host of TechTO Marketing, supporting entrepreneurs and innovators in the Canadian martech
and adtech community.

Jonelle Ricketts
Head of Marketing
IKEA

Jonelle Ricketts is head of Marketing for IKEA Canada, a world’s leading home furnishing retailer. For nearly 50 years, Canadians have welcomed IKEA into their homes and they have been strong supporters of the IKEA brand, product range and its vision “to create a better everyday life for the many people”.

Jonelle started her IKEA journey in 2011 in Canada in the role of Marketing & Advertising Specialist, supporting with campaign creative development and media planning across all owned and paid channels.

In 2016, she was promoted into the position of Media Manager where she led paid media planning and execution, for IKEA Canada and for IKEA Netherlands a couple of years later. Jonelle went on to join the Ingka Global Communication team in Leiden, Netherlands where she gained valuable experience working as the Global Communication Knowledge & Development Leader, focusing on the development of communications teams across Ingka and leading the global Communication matrix.

Most recently, Jonelle has held the position of Global Marketing Communication/Network
Leader as part of the Marketing Communications team at Inter IKEA Systems in Delft, Netherlands, where she supported the global marketing transformation project and developed a global marketing matrix for retailers outside of Ingka Group. Jonelle also brings with her several years of experience in Marketing and Communications supporting other organizations such as BlackBerry and Sephora Canada.

She resides in Kitchener with her husband and 2 of her 3 children. Her favourite IKEA product is the PAX closet system with KOMPLEMENT interior solutions. As someone who is obsessed with organization, PAX has been a game-changer for Jonelle with its versatility, flexibility, and unbeatable price.

Shelley Smit
CEO
IPG Mediabrands

With over twenty-five years of experience on both client and agency sides, Shelley Smit has a proven track record of developing award-winning campaigns that drive business outcomes. As CEO of Mediabrands Canada, she brings her industry acumen to bear on setting the strategic vision for the market, ensuring the highest standard of client service and strengthening existing client relationships while creating opportunities for new ones. Prior to her appointment as CEO of Mediabrands, Shelley was CEO of UM, where she led the agency to historical highs in new business wins, innovative business partnerships, and industry awards. She is a regular contributor on industry thought leadership topics and has been hand-picked to serve as a judge on numerous international awards panels. Shelley was awarded Strategy’s Media Leader of the Year in 2021. 

Alastair Taylor
CEO
Publicis Media

Alastair Taylor is the CEO of Publicis Media in Canada, a leading media agency network that serves clients across various categories and channels. With over two decades of experience in the marketing communications industry, Alastair has a proven track record of driving top and bottom-line growth through talent and diversification. 

As a transformational leader and a change agent, Alastair builds corporate cultures for the modern business reality. He also fosters strategy and thought leadership, delivering innovative and effective solutions for clients and his people. Alastair's mission is to change the industry for the better through attracting and empowering the best possible talent. 

Wes Wolch
SVP, Marketing
Holt Renfrew

A versatile marketing executive with 15+ years of brand and agency experience with some of the top companies in Canada and the US. Wes currently oversees the Marketing team at Holt Renfrew, delivering impactful campaigns featuring some of the top fashion brands and culture creators in the world.  He has previously worked in senior roles at Cossette Media, VICE and MEC.

Gah-Yee Won
Head of Marketing
Intuit Canada

As the Head of Marketing, CG Canada at Intuit, Gah-Yee Won is an accomplished
marketing professional with extensive experience in driving growth for flagship products.

Her responsibilities include formulating effective marketing strategies focusing on business
model planning, customer segmentation and retention. Additionally, she oversees the
creative development, paid media strategy, and analysis of mass media campaigns while
leading teams responsible for lifecycle marketing, affiliates, SEO, and content.

Prior to her role at Intuit, Gah-Yee was the Director of Account Management, Agency
Operations, and Marketing Channel Strategy at Scotiabank, where she oversaw the in-
house creative agency account management team. She also served as the Director of
Digital Strategy at MediaCom Canada, where she was responsible for thought leadership
and led digital buying for one of the country’s largest advertisers, P&G.

Gah-Yee is a member of the IAB Canada Board of Directors and serves on the Executive Board as Secretary. She has received several prestigious accolades for her achievements in the industry, including being named Ad Club Digital Planner/Buyer of the Year and being nominated for Media Rising Star. Gah-Yee holds a BA Honours in Media, Information, and Technoculture from the University of Western Ontario.

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/gahyeewon.

Sarah Au
Marketing Director, Cookies
Mondelez

Currently Marketing Director for OREO, Chips Ahoy!, Christie. Previously Director of Marketing at Muskoka Brewery. Prior to that worked on brands like Burt’s Bees, Brita, Glad, Clorox, Greenworks, John Frieda, Biore, Jergens.

Monique Brosseau
President, Québec
GroupM

Monique is a passionate executive with extensive experience in general management, marketing, media strategy & planning, account management, communications planning, and business development. An integral part of GroupM Canada’s leadership team, she is the head of its agencies’ Montreal operation and is responsible for the oversight of all Quebec based clients. She also leads GroupM Canada’s Government Practice, a purpose-built operation that aggregates government intelligence and experience from various GroupM agencies, including EssenceMediacom, Wavemaker, and Mindshare, into a unified and dedicated operation.

Monique’s work background in Canada and Europe for large companies in the consumer goods and service industries includes: Reitmans, DDB, ZenithOptimedia, Nurun, Publicis, Edelman Canada, L'Oréal Canada, Raymond Chabot International and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Canada.

Monique is a crucial driver for development and sustainability for all media strategy and planning initiatives. Having led both agencies and marketing divisions, her experience is invaluable to the development and expansion of her clients’ business and brands.  

Monique is recognized for her outstanding management and problem-solving skills, having led large multidisciplinary teams and managed multi-million-dollar budgets. She has demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking and initiative in project delivery. She has delivered award-winning work and superior results through customer-centric approaches and innovation and by mobilizing teams to achieve ambitious goals.

Nicole Brown
President, Investments
Dentsu

Joining Carat in 2011, Nicole continued to grow and expand her role to become
the lead across all broadcast investment within the Dentsu. When Amplifi
launched in Canada in 2015, Nicole moved into the organization as the head of
broadcast, later becoming overall investment lead. In late 2020, Nicole became
President, Amplifi where she oversees all investment and supply side activity for
Dentsu.

Andrew Butts
GM, Ontario & West
Cossette

Andrew joined Cossette Media in July 2022, following a 10 year stint with GroupM and WPP. As General Manager, Ontario and West he is actively leading the teams and offices in Toronto and Vancouver. Andrew is a committed and passionate marketer with many years of experience helping clients tackle their largest challenges. He has worked across environments and industries, including agency, government and academics. Andrew is active in the industry, sitting on both the CMA Brand Council and the Board of the Canadian Media Directors Council.
Andrew’s passion is teams, trying to create high-performing groups by understanding and emphasizing each of their respective dynamics.

Andrew brings a diverse client background, as well as time in academics and Government. His client experience includes extensive B2B, including leading the IBM business for years, as well as B2C on diverse portfolio accounts such as Nestle and Telus.

Maxime Corriveau
VP, Directeur de Groupe
PHD

Brigitte Dagnault
Communications and Marketing Consultant
Freelance

Ms. Dagnault was until recently the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at VIA Rail.

She joined VIA in 2023 and was responsible for establishing VIA Rail's strategic positioning in Canada and leading the development of strategies in marketing, communications, government, and Indigenous relations. She also oversaw the company's accessibility efforts.

Prior to her tenure at VIA, Ms. Dagnault held various positions at Sun Life, where she played a key role in evolving the Sun Life brand on a national scale as Assistant Vice-President, Marketing for Canada. Her professional journey also includes roles at GE Capital and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

Ms. Dagnault holds two bachelor's degrees from the Université du Québec à Montréal, in
communications and public relations.

Idan Driman
VP, Marketing
Pet Valu

Idan Driman is the Vice President, Marketing for Pet Valu. He joined Pet Valu in January of 2021 to lead and formulate Pet Valu’s marketing strategy. Under his leadership, Pet Valu has established a new brand strategy around Love Lives Here, and built a best in class Performance Marketing program. Idan has a diverse set of marketing leadership experiences through his work with Toys R Us, Holt Renfrew and Sears Canada. He is known for leading marketing program transformations, creating innovative marketing campaigns and building customer-centric teams. Idan has developed and mentored marketing talent who now hold leadership marketing positions at many Canadian companies.

Matt Houghton
Digital and Integrated Marketing Leader
Interac

Matt Houghton is the Digital and Integrated Marketing Leader for Interac, where he oversees advertising campaigns, digital channels and content, and always-on marketing. Matt works closely with stakeholders across the organization to build programs in support of key business priorities and commercial products, and to maintain trust and audience consideration for the Interac brand. He is a marketing, media and communications leader, with expertise in strategy development, creative execution, and channel planning across platforms. Prior to joining Interac, Matt has held leadership roles at organizations including Bell Media, Red Bull and Publicis.

Quincy Kelman
Vp, Marketing
Disney

Quincy Kelman is the VP of Marketing for Walt Disney Studios Canada. He began his career at OMNI Television before moving into film working for Cineplex Entertainment, joining Walt Disney Studios in 2008. In his current role, Quincy oversees all content and brand marketing for Walt Disney Studios in Canada for both theatrical, and streaming titles. He has led successful campaigns for, Inside Out 2, The Bear, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Mandalorian, Marvel’s Avengers: End Game, and the launch of Disney+. In addition to his role at Walt Disney Studios, he also is a board member of the Canadian Picture Pioneers.

Veronik L'Heureux
President
Starcom Spark Foundry

Lilian Lo
President
ML Key Communications

Introducing Lilian Lo, the dynamic Vice President of Media at Dyversity Communications Inc.

Her journey in the realm of media and advertising spans over an impressive 25 years, during which she has honed her skills in both online and offline platforms. Lilian’s expertise is not confined to one market; she has garnered a wealth of knowledge and insights from mainstream and cultural markets across Canada, the USA, and Asia. Her strategic acumen has been sharpened in the corridors of leading multicultural and mainstream agencies, where she has held pivotal roles.

Lilian’s impressive portfolio is backed by an MBA degree and is adorned with a host of prestigious National brands, including Bell, Virgin, Rogers, Telus, Canada Post, RBC, Unilever, LCBO, Hyundai, Toyota, Pfizer, and Bayer, along with other eminent Crown, Pharmaceutical, and CPG brands.

But what truly sets Lilian apart is her passion for cultural marketing. Her experience has fostered strong bonds with over 15 cultural communities in Canada, making her a key influencer in the multicultural media landscape. Lilian is not just witnessing the evolution of multicultural media; she’s at the forefront, driving change and shaping its future. Her love for cultural marketing is not just a job, it’s a journey of discovery and innovation. She is a pioneer, a strategist, and a leader, shaping the future of multicultural media with every step she takes.

Devon MacDonald
President
Cairns Oneil

Devon MacDonald has extensive experience in the media, technology, and creative industries
and uses his background to help clients and teams achieve their ambition.

MacDonald has run companies and teams within some of the leading organizations across
Canada. Prior to joining Cairns Oneil, he was the CEO at Mindshare Canada, a leading media
agency under WPP.

He previously founded the creative agency 360i in Canada and held leadership roles in the
technology world at companies like IBM. MacDonald has also held strategic roles at Dentsu,
Proximity, kenna and EDS. In 2022, he was named the Media Leader of the Year by Strategy
Magazine for his work in transforming Cairns Oneil.

Outside of the office, MacDonald is on the Capital Committee for The Quilt, is a former youth
soccer coach and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

Daniel Meynen
President & General Manager
Pizza Hut

Lynne Piette
Head of Marketing
Volkswagen

Lynne Piette brings over 20 years of experience to her role as Marketing Director for Volkswagen Canada. Under her leadership, Volkswagen has achieved record-breaking business results in the Canadian market and has also been recognized with a Cannes Lion, a prestigious Grand Clio, a One Show pencil, and awarded at every Canadian advertising show.

As an accomplished marketing professional, Lynne has been invited to judge at the Canadian Marketing Awards, the Atomic Awards, the Atomic Festival of Media, the Effies, and for Media in Canada. She’s participated in Automotive News’ Leading Women in Canada Roundtable and on the advisory board for Media in Canada.

In her spare time, Lynne volunteers at Campfire Circle and enjoys playing hockey. Her favourite pastime?  Any form of outdoor adventure with her partner and dog by her side.

Mitra Shad
Global Senior Director of Marketing
Match Group

Nikki Stone
CEO
Wavemaker

Recently recognized as a top marketer to watch in 2024 by Marketing News Canada, Nikki Stone is a seasoned media executive with a focus on performance-driven growth and measurable outcomes. As the Chief Commerce Officer at GroupM Canada, a position which leverages her extensive experience in building, launching, and revitalizing brands. Known for her bold leadership style and innovative approach, Nikki is dedicated to bridging the gap between innovation and ROI. As a leader she has consistently driven impressive growth including triple-digit year-over-year revenue increases, creating new opportunities for both clients and teams.

Central to her leadership philosophy, Nikki is committed to fostering a supportive environment where team members can thrive. Ensuring team satisfaction and well-being is a top priority, which has led to a reputation for attracting top talent and maintaining low attrition rates.  Nikki is also actively involved in various boards, including Spark Center, Hydrocephalus, CMDC, and NABS.

Prior to her current position, Nikki served in senior leadership positions at Publicis Media, where she earned recognition as an emotionally intelligent and inclusive mentor. In her leisure time, Nikki enjoys family activities, hiking, reading, watching movies, and debating whether golf is a source of joy or a punishment. 

Julie Unsworth
Sr. Director, Seasonal & Corporate Marketing
Walmart

Julie is a well-rounded, strategic marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across both CPG and Retail.  She is privileged to have worked on some of the best-known and most-loved brands in Canada, including Kellogg’s, Tim Hortons, Longo’s and Walmart.  In her current role as Sr Director, Corporate & Seasonal Marketing for Walmart Canada, Julie leads media planning and the strategy development and execution of brand, seasonal and price leadership campaigns to drive customer loyalty and sales growth.

Karel Wegert
CEO
Media Experts

As CEO of Media Experts, Karel is responsible for leading the agency and its clients into the next frontier of media solutions. An insightful leader with over twenty years of experience in digital media and an extensive agency background, Karel has an impressive track record for evolving advanced business solutions and delivering high-yield results for some of Canada's most successful brands. Karel has been part of the IPG family since 2007 when he joined Media Expert's burgeoning digital division. During his 15-year tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the agency as a digital innovator. In early 2022, Karel was appointed President of Kinesso Canada, IPG's connected intelligence company, where his mandate included stewardship of Matterkind, a strategic partner in creating lifetime customer value across addressable activation.