The AAF Advertising Hall of Fame (AHOF)’s Council of Judges, has inducted six legendary leaders this year, its 75th anniversary. One of them is Australia, David Droga, founder of Droga5 and current Vice Chair at Accenture.
The association, led by chair, Ross Martin, president of Known and vice chair, Rita Ferro, president of Disney Advertising, has also added one corporate honoree and two special President’s Award recipients.
Droga, the most awarded creative in advertising, has redefined what a modern creative leader can achieve, driving innovation and shaping global advertising, leading work that redefines what advertising could be and should achieve in the digital age. Among his most famous campaigns were those for The New York Times, the British Army, Under Armour, Marc Ecko, Meta, Game of Thrones, UNICEF, Amazon, the NSPCC, Puma, the New York City Department of Education, Tourism Australia, JAY-Z, JPMorgan Chase and Coinbase.. Following its acquisition by Accenture in 2019, Droga5 became the creative cornerstone that would evolve into Accenture Song.
The Class of 2026 also includes Gordon Bowen (mcgarrybowen/Dentsu), Esi Eggleston Bracey (Unilever), Susan Fowler Credle (Interpublic/FCB), Tim Ellis (NFL), and Jim Stengel (The Jim Stengel Company/P&G). Susan Credle will receive the David Bell Award for Industry Service as well.
“The Advertising Hall of Fame honours industry legends for their globally recognised achievements, groundbreaking innovations and exceptional philanthropic contributions to both the advertising industry and their communities,” stated Steve Pacheco, president and CEO, American Advertising Federation (AAF). “Regarded as the Biggest Night in Advertising, this year’s 75th anniversary celebration promises to be bigger than ever with a veritable ‘who’s who’ of industry icons to walk the red carpet and into the Hall of Fame.”
American Express is this year’s corporate inductee, honoured for its decades-long impact on culture and purpose-driven marketing. For the first time, two President’s Awards will also be presented, going to Barry Manilow and Marlo Thomas for their significant contributions to advertising despite careers outside the industry.
In recognition of this honour, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit causes that are close to each President’s Award recipient, The Manilow Music Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Honorees will be celebrated at the annual Induction Gala in New York City at Cipriani Wall Street on April 23, 2026. The announcement was made today concurrent with the ringing of the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
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