The globally renowned Gerety Awards has announced its Auckland Executive Jury for the 2026 global judging season, reinforcing the city’s growing influence on the international creative stage. Known for celebrating the most powerful ideas in advertising through a female-led lens, the awards continue to spotlight diverse leadership across key global markets.
The Auckland Executive Jury for 2026 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
Bringing together senior creative leaders and decision-makers, the Auckland panel will review and score entries as part of the global judging process. Their insights will help determine which campaigns progress to the shortlist and ultimately compete for top honors in one of advertising’s most distinctive award programs.
What makes the Gerety Awards unique is its executive jury model, composed of leading women and diverse creative professionals from around the world. By establishing judging hubs in major cities like Auckland, the awards ensure that work is evaluated through culturally rich and varied perspectives.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, the Auckland jury announcement underscores the awards’ commitment to inclusive excellence and forward-thinking creativity. With strong regional representation and global impact, the Gerety Awards continue to set the benchmark for progressive recognition in the advertising industry.
