Colenso BBDO art director, Léon Bristow, is named in Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40 2025

Colenso’s release is a little ra-ra. But Léon Bristow seems to deserve it. So here it is as it was written.

“Some people make ads. Léon makes waves.

“Campaign Asia-Pacific has just named art director, Léon Bristow, in its 40 Under 40 2025 list.

“Léon’s the kind of creative who threads culture into everything he touches. One day he’s leading work for Matariki or Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, the next he’s helping our clients find new ways to show up in the world. And at the same time, he’s building Beings — a directory connecting POC, Rainbow, and Disabled talent with the industry.

“Léon keeps pushing for what’s next. More voices at the table, more stories told, more boundaries nudged.

“Born in France, raised in New Zealand, shaped by his Māori, Samoan and Dutch roots, Léon has a knack for making work that feels both universal and deeply personal. That’s probably why the industry keeps noticing.

“So here’s to Léon — artist, disruptor, champion of communities, and now officially one of the 40 Under 40.“

Angela Watson, CEO of Colenso BBDO, stated, “Léon has the amazing ability to create work that’s sharp enough to cut through, but generous enough to bring people with him. He’s constantly amplifying the voices that need to be heard — and the industry is better for it, we’re all better for it. We’re over the moon to see him recognised in Asia Pacific and this will sit nicely alongside Léon’s Emergent Icon honour at this year’s Te Hapori Matihiko Awards.”

Si Vicars, CCO Colenso BBDO, added, “Kim, Hadleigh and I feel very lucky when we look out across our Creative department. We have a brilliant team of curious and determined creatives. In amongst those gems of humans, Léon shines brightly. We’re all so proud of what he’s achieved.”

Léon Bristow commented, “It’s such a privilege to receive this recognition, and I know so much of it comes from how deeply my communities have shaped me, both creatively and personally. I’ve been fortunate to find opportunities in spaces where we’re often underrepresented, and that gives me a responsibility to speak up and build pathways for those same communities to be part of the discussions. Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With my food basket and your food basket the people will thrive.”

Léon Bristow’s Website. Beings website.