International Andy Awards regional chairs, including Africa, named

Ghana’s Yaa Boateng, chief creative officer and managing director, The Storytellers, has been appointed the Africa regional chair for the International Andy Awards (Image supplied)

The International Andy Awards, the first show of the year, celebrate the ideas, craft, innovation, and brave thinking that push the industry forward.

Regional chairs have also been appointed for Asia, Europe, Latam, Pacific, and Southwest Asia and North Africa.

For the fifth consecutive year, regional competitions will precede the global judging, ensuring diverse representation from every corner of the globe.

This structure not only celebrates global creativity but also fosters a more inclusive and accessible awards process for agencies and individuals worldwide.

These regional competitions serve as vital platforms, showcasing outstanding work from all cultures and backgrounds.

To deepen cultural representation and ensure authentic voices are heard, each region will be guided by a distinguished jury member renowned for creative excellence within their area.

This approach aims to elevate regional talent and challenge the industry to think beyond borders and conventional narratives.

Meet the 2026 regional chairs

Africa: Yaa Boateng, chief creative officer and managing director, The Storytellers

Located in Ghana, Yaa Boateng is an award-winning creative leader with two decades of experience in advertising, branding, and marketing. Recognised in 2025 on the Dare! List for her leadership and innovation, Yaa champions creativity and empowers the next generation as President of the IAA Ghana Chapter.

Asia: Raj Kamble, founder / CCO, Famous Innovators

Based in Mumbai, Raj Kamble is a celebrated gold-medalist from Sir JJ School of Arts. With a 25-year career spanning globally recognised agencies such as Lowe London, Lowe New York, BBDO New York, and BBH India, Raj’s work for brands like Stella Artois, Unilever, Nestlé, P&G, Saab, Diageo, Vaseline, Burger King, and Google has earned both critical acclaim and tangible results.

Europe: Youri Guerassimov, co-chief creative officer and co-ceo, Marcel Paris

One of France’s most awarded creatives, Youri has delivered groundbreaking campaigns for major brands, including The Inglorious Fruits & Vegetables for Intermarché and WoMen’s Football for Orange. His work embodies artistic innovation and strategic brilliance.

Latam: Josefina Casellas, VP ECD and general manager SS Latam, R/GA

Leading R/GA’s creative efforts in Spanish-speaking Latin America, Josefina oversees over 70 professionals across disciplines. Her team collaborates with global clients such as Nike, Google, Samsung, Slack, and ESPN, elevating regional and international campaigns.

Pacific: Emma Robbins, chief creative officer, M+C Saatchi & Saatchi Group, Melbourne

Southwest Asia and North Africa (Swana): Federico Fanti, regional chief creative officer, FP7 McCann

Based in Dubai, Federico Fanti’s 20+ years of experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East include leadership on campaigns for Barilla, Coca-Cola, J&J, P&G, and more. His diverse portfolio reflects a deep engagement with varied cultural narratives.

An open call for global creativity

Participants from every region are encouraged to submit their ideas at no cost for regional competitions.

Shortlisted entries will be spotlighted in their respective regions and have the opportunity to advance to the global stage if they choose to do so in the upcoming year.

This approach aims to democratise access and encourage fresh ideas from underrepresented markets, fostering a more inclusive creative community.

Importantly, agencies and individuals are no longer required to participate in regional competitions to enter the global competition, creating more flexible pathways for recognition.

“The Andys Regional Competition is about levelling the playing field so creativity has no borders,” says Gina Grillo, president & CEO of The Advertising Club of New York and The International Andy Awards.

“We’ve built this show by listening to the creative community.

“We're constantly evolving to remove barriers, add value, and be a true resource for talent everywhere.

“Our Live judging is one example of that commitment, bringing transparency, dialogue, and learning to the process. Great creativity can come from anywhere, and it deserves to be celebrated everywhere.”

Industry icon Anselmo Ramos, co-founder and creative chairman of GUT, will continue his role as global jury chair for his second term.

The 2026 International And Awards reaffirm their commitment to fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable creative industry—one that recognises excellence worldwide and nurtures the stories that shape our collective culture.