Dena Walker, Catriona Campbell, Leah Donoghue, Jill Robinson, Maria Scannell, Estelle Gorby, Nicola Gillen
Estelle Gorby Scoops the 2014 IAPI Doyenne Award
We’re celebrating the winner of the Doyenne Award, a new initiative from IAPI, to find the “women of tomorrow” who are making a difference and who have the potential to become an industry leader in the future.
The ‘Doyenne’ is Estelle Gorby, International Strategic Director of Acorn Dublin.
The winner was chosen by a panel of Irish advertising leaders, picked from a shortlist of seven nominees working in a cross section of disciplines in the Irish advertising industry including; media planning, media sales, creative and client services.
The awards are a first for ad land created to champion women currently in management positions, who are being identified in their field as future female industry leaders. The Sunday Business Post is the media partner for the initiative. The outstanding level of participation for the inaugural award has further highlighted the merit of the awards which will again run next year.
Announcing the IAPI Doyenne Award winner and finalists Deirdre Waldron, Managing Director of Cawley Nea\TBWA and Chair of the Judging Panel said;
“Estelle was the unanimous decision of the judges for the inaugural IAPI Doyenne award. She embodied all the elements the judges were looking for and has demonstrated her exceptional leadership capacity throughout her career. While co-founding Acorn, she created a balanced and successful work place for one of Ireland’s fastest growing agencies. But what convinced the judges most was her inspirational approach to developing talent and the fact that she represents both the future, and the woman of tomorrow, for our industry.”
1st Runner Up – Leah Donohoe
“Leah’s background in overseas development is about as far away from advertising as you can get. However, what really impressed the judges was that she was able to bring the valuable people skills she developed in her previous career to our people-centric business. Ours would be a better industry if we could tempt other people of Leah’s ability and alternative skills set to join our ranks”.
2nd Runner Up – Jill Robinson
“Jill works in the notoriously difficult environment of ‘trading’. Trading in media agencies is traditionally seen as a bit of a boys’ club and what really struck the judges is that Jill excels in this role because of her female qualities and this brings a whole new dimension to the skills she brings to the table. Particularly in her people-development role”.
Jimmy Murphy, Director of Publics Dublin & IAPI Doyenne Award judge added; “Advertising and the media have always been progressive industries for women but it is imperative that female talent continues to get the support and opportunities it deserves; these awards will help to showcase this talent.
Orlaith Blaney, President of IAPI and CEO of McCann Blue said; “The Doyenne Award is a great opportunity for women in management echelons to demonstrate their potential and the importance of their role. We have had really excellent number of high calibre entrants.
Estelle Gorby is an outstanding leader and this is a hugely well-deserved award in recognition of her major influence at Acorn and that agency’s impact on their clients business.”
Winner
Estelle Gorby International Strategic Director, Acorn Dublin
Finalists
Leah O’Donoghue Account Director, Cawley Nea\TBWA
Jill Robinson Head of Digital & TV Investment, Mindshare
7 Shortlisted candidates include
Catriona Campbell Strategic Account Director, The Social House
Nicola Gillen Client Director, Mediavest
Leah O’Donoghue Account Director, Cawley Nea\TBWA
Jill Robinson Head of Digital & TV Investment, Mindshare
Maria Scannell Commercial Manager, Mirror Media Ireland
Dena Walker Strategic Planner, Irish International
Doyenne Award Judges
Deirdre Waldron Managing Director Cawley Nea/TBWA (Chair)
Gervaise Slowey CEO, Communicorp
Jimmy Murphy Director, Publicis Dublin
Margaret Ward CEO, Clear Ink
Siobhan Lennon Commercial Director, The Sunday Business Post
