Ad gurus Donald Gunn and Michael Conrad to moderate New York Festival’s executive jury for 2012 International Advertising Awards

Says Conrad: “There are three great reasons to participate – brilliant Jury – Getting the best possible leadership perspective on the state of the ad business for the Berlin School of Creative Leadership; NYF CEO Jim Smyth – He’s building a relevant and inspiring award-show for today’s ad-industry; and being able to join Donald Gunn as Executive Jury Moderator.”

Donald Gunn began working at Leo Burnett fresh from Cambridge University, beginning his career as an account executive and then six years later as a copywriter.  He served as Burnett’s managing director in the Netherlands and Switzerland and creative director in South Africa and France.  In 1984, Gunn was appointed Leo Burnett’s director of creative resources worldwide, based in Chicago. He created several Burnett institutions which are the envy of the industry – including the World TV Update and Worldbeater Reels, and Global Product Committee – as well as spearheading the worldwide study on creativity and effectiveness, “Do Award Winning Commercials Sell?” After retirement from Burnett, Gunn launched The Gunn Report & Showreel of the Year, “the official” measure of competitive excellence for the advertising industry.

Michael Conrad brought German engineering to global quality management in advertising, helping Leo Burnett Worldwide Inc. become “Global Agency Network” of the Year in 2000 (AdAge) and “Most Awarded Agency Network” in 2001 (Gunn Report). Under his creative leadership 27 Leo Burnett agencies were named “Agency of the Year” in their countries, some of them more than once. Mr. Conrad spent 34 years in advertising before his retirement in 2003.  Upon retiring, ADC Germany’s Sebastian Turner approached Conrad to help develop ADC’s education initiatives; the idea was born to establish The Berlin School of Creative Leadership.

Says Michael O’Rourke, president, New York Festivals: “Donald and Michael are respected throughout the industry; they are the perfect choice to moderate the 2012 Executive Jury. Their experience and reputations project integrity, fairness, and a thorough understanding of the advertising industry. We are honored to have them guide the jury on its path to select the World’s Best Advertising.”

The executive jury sessions launch the New York Show, a two-day series of events beginning on May 2nd  and featuring creative panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking events, the 2012 executive jury press conference, exhibits, and the May 3rd International Advertising Awards ceremony.   All New York Show events and the 2012 awards gala will take place at the New York Public Library’s Beaux-Arts landmark building located at 455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street in New York City.