John Mescall Named Chair of the OMNI-CHANNEL Jury

The OMNI-CHANNEL section recognises campaigns that were presented through multiple communication channels. Entries should demonstrate the creative use of multiple channels, their integration, and the efficiency of implementation of the communication solutions.

​John Mescall, global creative chair, by The Network, USA, has left an indelible mark on global advertising. Recognised as one of AdWeek's Creativity 50—an annual tribute to the 50 most influential creative minds—and ranked 8th by Business Insider among the globe's top creative talents in advertising, John's impact is profound. Under his visionary guidance, McCann Worldgroup achieved the prestigious distinction of being named both Cannes and Effies Network of the Year—a testament to his leadership and innovative prowess. His portfolio boasts iconic campaigns like Fearless Girl, Dumb Ways to Die, and ThisAbles, which blend cutting-edge innovation with deep cultural resonance. Collaborating with powerhouse brands such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and MasterCard, John continues to redefine global advertising standards. With over 100 Cannes Lions, John now brings his expertise to chair the Omni-Channel Jury, further cementing his influence in shaping the future of creative storytelling.

​John Mescall, global creative chair, by The Network, USA:

"The more complex things become, the more important it is for us to simplify things even further. We need to free our minds to look at a problem, and simply follow that problem to wherever it chooses to take us.

No rules. No preconceived notions of what works, and what doesn't.
Every brief is the opportunity to make a new path.

And because we have so many tools, approaches, and media choices available to us, we really are free to do whatever the hell we think is right. Provided, of course, it’s in service of solving the problem.

That’s why I’m so excited to be president of the Omni-Channel jury this year. I know that together with my fellow jury members, we’re going to see problems solved with ideas and approaches we didn’t see coming. And have maybe never seen before. And having been lucky enough to judge Golden Drum in the past, I know we’re going to see ideas that are breathtakingly different to the norm. Ideas that come from unique places, unique attitudes and unique cultures. Ideas that are expressions of pure, uninhibited creativity.

I hope you all enter your very best. Because your very best is going to make for a beautiful, wild ride for our jury."

Meet the Omni-Channel Jury

Alongside him, a distinguished panel of experts will be evaluating the most innovative creative work:

​Fredric Antonsson, creative director, Havas, Sweden
​Jessica Buch, head of strategy, Grey, Germany
​Andrea Horváth, creative director, Café Communications, Hungary
​Aleka Papadia, executive creative director, McCann Worldgroup, Greece
​Karpat Polat, founder and creative chairman, KARPAT, Turkey
​Annukka Puttonen, creative director and brand strategist, Think Again, Finland
​Ana-Maria Țarălungă, creative director, Digitas Romania / Publicis Groupe, Romania
​Kristi Veskus, head of work in Estonia, Estonia
​Jens Petter Wærnes, chief creative officer, VML Copenhagen, Denmark
​Stefano Zanoni, creative director, LePub, Italy