MAD STARS 2026 has just unveiled an impressive trio of industry heavyweights to its Executive Jury, setting the stage for a landmark year in global creative evaluation. Leading the charge are three seasoned visionaries — Raja Rajamannar of Mastercard, Aurora Straton from Google, and Tara McKenty of AKQA Australia & New Zealand — all poised to help spotlight the most boundary-pushing work in marketing and advertising this year.
At the heart of MAD STARS’ judging process, the Executive Jury plays a crucial role in selecting the Grand Prix of the Year winners, defining what excellence looks like across both the SOLUTION and POSITIVE IMPACT groups. With more than 350 jury members from across 70+ markets, this global awards platform continues to champion creativity that delivers both cultural relevance and measurable results.
Raja Rajamannar is celebrated as one of the foremost marketing minds of recent decades, having shaped Mastercard into a dynamic global brand through cutting-edge strategy, technology, and inclusive design. His leadership and thought-leadership — including the bestselling book Quantum Marketing — bring unparalleled strategic insight to the jury.
Aurora Straton brings over 20 years of storytelling and innovation experience from Google, where she helps brands blend technology with compelling narratives that resonate across culture and markets. Her emphasis on creative relevance and future-forward thinking aligns perfectly with the festival’s evolving focus on tech-enabled creativity.
Tara McKenty rounds out the trio with deep creative leadership across APAC, backed by experience at both Google and top global agencies. Known for fostering inclusivity and driving award-winning work, McKenty’s perspective enriches MAD STARS’ commitment to celebrating creative excellence that truly makes an impact.
As entries continue to pour in from around the world ahead of the June deadline, the inclusion of these executive leaders underscores MAD STARS’ status as a prestigious global platform — one that’s shaping the future of how ideas are evaluated, celebrated, and remembered.
