Chicago Advertising Federation Names FCB's Tina Manikas as Advertising Woman of the Year

The Chicago Advertising Federation has announced that Tina Manikas, president of FCB/RED, is the 2019 Advertising Woman of the Year. This annual honor, started in 1958, recognises a woman in the Chicago advertising community who has contributed greatly to both her company and the industry at-large, advanced the practice of advertising through her development of concepts and innovations and fostered the growth and development of others.

“I am honored and deeply humbled to join the extraordinary group of women who have been named Woman of the Year,” says Tina. “Many of these women played an integral role in my career, and I’m beyond thankful for everything they have taught me. I look forward to using this opportunity to help other female leaders grow and flourish in their advertising careers.”

Over the course of her career of 30+ years, Tina significantly helped raise, advance and set new standards for the advertising community. She was one of the first to pioneer integrated platform solutions and build shopper marketing as a capability, creating a practice in Chicago in 2000. Tina then grew the practice into a new shopper first brand agency, FCB/RED. Under her leadership, FCB/RED has grown to become one of the most globally recognised and awarded agencies, earning accolades such as Cannes Lions, Effies, ANA REGGIES, ECHO Awards, WARC 100 and “Store of the Year” honors. A practice that started right here in America’s heartland, today has a presence in 10 select North American cities and a global reach extending to 120 offices in 80 countries.

“When we think of women of excellence in the advertising industry and leaders in innovation, we think of Tina Manikas. CAF is delighted to honor Tina as our 2019 Chicago Advertising Federation Ad Woman of the Year. She is the quintessential leader and is not only a fantastic businesswoman and leader in the industry, but also a kind, admired and highly regarded boss and coworker,” said Kim Theiss, president, Chicago Advertising Federation.

Tia has always had an eye to the future of innovation and industry concepts. She was one of the original signers of the Time’s Up Advertising petition. At FCB/RED, she is leading the charge to create an equitable and safe workplace for all employees. Realising the brand activation industry was not adequately represented at Cannes Lions, she led the charge to advocate for – and create – brand activation as a category at the Festival, and also served as one of its first jury presidents (and the first female jury chair) for this awards sector. 

Outside the office, Tina is a 10-year active board member and host/agency chair of Chicago’s oldest boys’ and girls’ organisation, called Off The Street Club. She has also been an active board member of the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) for the last three years and was one of the leaders behind the Male Champions of Change. She currently serves as CFW’s chairwoman of the communications committee. Manikas is a successful wife and mom. She and her husband, John, have three children, including a daughter who is now in advertising. She also boasts of 10 godchildren and an extended, big fat Greek family. 

“Tina possesses true leadership. She is the rare combination of an excellent businessperson, a skilled craftsperson in advertising, an innovator, a well-respected and admired boss, and an incredibly kind person,” says Dina Howell, retired global vice president of marketing, The Procter & Gamble Company. “She has been outspoken in her leadership of the industry via: creating programs for her clients that delivered outstanding results; training and mentorship; and establishing the criteria for award-winning work.”

CAF will hold a celebration in Tina’s honor at a dinner event this fall at The Radisson Blu in Chicago. Event and registration details will be available here.