The American Advertising Federation (AAF) recently celebrated its dual class of 2025 — inducting industry pioneers into the Advertising Hall of Fame and honoring rising stars in the Hall of Achievement — spotlighting leadership, innovation, and fresh influence in the advertising world.
Advertising Hall of Fame 2025: Celebrating Legacy
Held at a gala in New York City this past April, the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame welcomed eight distinguished industry leaders from advertising, media, marketing, and public service, along with corporate honoree Mars, Inc.
Notable Inductees:
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Linda Boff – CEO of Said Differently and former Global CMO of GE, recognized for transforming GE’s brand narrative through innovative storytelling platforms like GE Podcast Theater.
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John Hayes – Former CMO at American Express, known for iconic campaigns like “My Life. My Card” and initiatives such as Small Business Saturday and (RED) partnerships.
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David Lubars – Former Chief Creative Officer at BBDO Worldwide, creator of memorable campaigns like Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” and Cannes’ “Network of the Decade” leader.
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Alex López Negrete – President and co‑founder of López Negrete Communications, the largest independent Hispanic‑owned agency in the U.S.
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Raja Rajamannar – Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Mastercard, who expanded the brand globally with campaigns like “Priceless” and a purpose-driven, experiential marketing approach.
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Lisa Sherman – CEO of The Ad Council and former leader in public service advertising, notable for campaigns on mental health, equality, and COVID‑19 vaccine education.
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Rishad Tobaccowala – Visionary digital strategist and former Chief Strategist at Publicis, credited with shaping data-driven marketing and mentoring future leaders.
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Dennis Troper, representing Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube — who passed away in 2024 — accepted the posthumous David Bell Award for Industry Service on her behalf.
Corporate Spotlight:
Mars, Inc. was honored for iconic marketing campaigns and a long-standing commitment to brand innovation and storytelling.
Advertising Hall of Achievement 2025: Elevating Emerging Talent
The Hall of Achievement recognizes the next generation of advertising leaders (under 40) making a meaningful impact today. This year’s class of seven reflects growing diversity in media, commerce, and creative strategy—alongside a Cultural Force Award honoring social impact.
Class of 2025 Honorees:
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Orlando Baeza – VP of Brand and Creative at Chime; a fintech innovator with leadership roles at BuzzFeed, Nike, and Adidas.
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Abi Evans – Chief Growth Officer at dentsu Creative; recipient of the Jack Avrett Volunteer Spirit Award, recognized for unifying agency capabilities and advancing inclusivity.
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Alison Levin – President, Advertising & Partnerships at NBCUniversal; championing TV as a performance marketing engine.
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Amie Owen – Chief Commerce Officer at IPG Mediabrands; a pioneer in retail media and influencer commerce strategy.
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Paolo Provinciali – VP of Marketing Growth, Performance & Operations at LinkedIn; known for integrating data and marketing performance.
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Jason Schulweis – Chief Commercial Officer at The Female Quotient; driving inclusive advertising platforms and social equity efforts.
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Charlotte Tansill – North American President (PR, Social & Influence) at Ogilvy; leading cultural and influence-driven creative strategies.
The Cultural Force Award was presented to Ashley Graham, model and entrepreneur, for her continued efforts to reshape norms around beauty, confidence, and diversity through advocacy and brand work.
The Hall of Achievement ceremony is scheduled for November 20, 2025, at Pier Sixty in New York City, with TikTok as presenting sponsor.
What This Dual Announcement Means
| Theme | Significance |
|---|---|
| Legacy & Innovation | The Hall of Fame underscores established leadership; the Hall of Achievement elevates emerging disruptors. |
| Cultural Impact | Honorees reflect evolving marketing goals—purpose-led branding, diversity, and digital transformation. |
| Inspiration At All Levels | From iconic veterans to bold newcomers, the AAF ensures inspiration across generations. |
Final Take
Together, the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame and Hall of Achievement for 2025 present a powerful snapshot of advertising’s past, present, and future. The inductees offer blueprints for creativity, innovation, and purpose in a rapidly evolving industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an ambitious upstart, this year’s honorees remind us that meaningful, memorable marketing comes from those who lead with both vision and values.
