They will also judge the “Talking Heads” agency show reel - within the various agency discipline types e.g. creative, digital, PR, media and design in South Africa.
Below is a brief outline of each judge that will be adjudicating this esteemed award:
Cesar Vacchiano
Vacchiano is the president and CEO of SCOPEN since 2009 and is responsible for the international expansion of the Group. He has developed projects in many countries, and SCOPEN now has offices in Spain, Portugal, UK, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, China, India, Singapore and South Africa. SCOPEN provides knowledge and identifies demands and future trends for marketers, agencies and media owners. The company’ researches are focused in the communication, marketing and advertising changing environment.
He is the only non-marketer member of the directors' council in the Spanish Advertisers Association (aea), secretary of the Spanish Effectiveness Awards and member of the jury in other industry awards and festivals.
Commenting on SCOPEN’s involvement in the awards, he says; “We are very excited and honored to be part of this unique milestone in South Africa’s marketing, communication and advertising industry. We hope to create an effective synergy with our stakeholders in helping the industry grow.”
Lisa Colantuono
She is the co-president of AAR Partners as well as the co-founder of Access Confidential. An authority in the industry, she has decades of experience as an agency search consultant whose unique perspective is highly valued. She counsels both marketers and communications agencies on their business and branding efforts.
In addition to her role as an agency search consultant, she has created a new business service center for agencies by co-founding Access Confidential in 2005.
Colantuono is also a publisher having recently published her book, @AARLisa: New Biz in 140 characters (or Less), written for the on-the-go new business exec that needs cut-to-the-chase insights to nail new business wins again and again.
Speaking on the awards she says; “I am really grateful to be part of the judging process for this prestigious award. We are looking for the best in the industry and we are positive that this category will not only change the game, but will continue to set the standard for continued excellence in the industry.”
Johanna McDowell
McDowell is managing director of the Independent Agency Search and Selection Company (IAS) which stands at the forefront of the complex world of agency selection in South Africa and is one of the few experts driving this mediation and advisory service in SA and globally.
McDowell will also be a judge at this year’s awards acknowledging entries that deliver exceptional results. She advises and works alongside clients and procurement professionals on agency selection, agency pitching, relationship appraisal, commercial evaluation and benchmarking projects.
She has held directorship in both South Africa and British advertising agencies and in 1988 was appointed managing director of Grey Phillips Advertising. She also built Integrated Communications, a public relations-driven marketing communications company that went from zero base in 1991 to an R8-million fee turnover by December 2004.
McDowell comments; “We are excited that the IAS is part of the new category in the Assegai Awards titled; IAS Credential Awards. We are encouraging agencies to enter this award as it will give them an opportunity to showcase their agency to a large number of leading marketers on the judging panel,” concludes McDowell.
Since their inception, the Assegai Awards have aimed to benchmark the South African direct marketing industry, to highlight best-in-class examples and encourage all players in the industry to work towards achieving greatness in their campaigns. The ultimate goal remains to keep raising the bar for the whole industry.