Karen Ferry, senior copywriter at Leo Burnett, has been appointed NSW AWARD school head as it enters its 35^th year, alongside Brendan Willenberg, creative director of Clemenger BBDO.

Ferry succeeds Niccola Phillips, head of art at M&C Saatchi, who has held the school head position since her appointment two years ago and prior to that served as an AWARD committee member.

Ferry joined Leo Burnett from VCCP in 2016 as a senior copywriter. She now has 11 years’ experience under her belt at agencies like The Monkeys, DDB and JWT, and has accumulated more than 70 awards and accolades.

She considers her career highlights to include having her work shown at SXSW and being published in industry textbooks, judging on award juries and tutoring AWARD School. Ferry also attended the inaugural AWARD Emerging Creative Directors course in 2016.

Karen Ferry

“For all the chat around the changing media landscape and future of advertising, one thing will always hold true and that’s the power of a big idea,” she commented.

“I’m super excited and honoured to be taking the charge alongside Brendan, and look forward to guiding tomorrow’s bright sparks into illuminating the future.”

Brendan Willenberg, current NSW school head, added, “Karen’s skill as a creative leader and passion for mentoring make her an exciting addition for the school. It’s only been a few weeks since we wrapped up AWARD School 2017 and Karen is already throwing ideas at me on how to make 2018 bigger and better. There is a lot to look forward to.”

Retiring NSW head, Niccola Phillips, played a part in significantAWARD School highlights, including developing the inaugural AWARD School pop-up event at Semi-Permanent where emerging creatives worked on live briefs for socially responsible causes. Phillips also awarded four AWARD School scholarships and the David Droga Prize.

The students, she says have been her greatest inspiration.“Their thinking is fresh, their outlook is positive, and the energy that they bring into the room each week is contagious. Be assured, I’ll be following the careers of the next generation of creatives with a proud smile on my face.”

AWARD chair and chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, Mike Spirkovski, commented, “Karen has already proven her worth by helping tutor this year’s AWARD School National winner, Tom Lawrence. I look forward to seeing Karen’s impact on next year’s curriculum.

“On behalf of AWARD I would like to thank Niccola Phillips, for her incredible dedication and support as head of AWARD School over the past 2+ years. She has set us up for future success.”