McCann Worldgroup Named Agency Network of the Year for Seventh Year at 2023 Golden Drum Awards

McCann Worldgroup was recognised at the 2023 Golden Drum Festival this week as ‘Agency Network of the Year', for the seventh time, breaking all previous festival records. The festival is Central and Eastern Europe’s most prestigious advertising event.  The network’s long standing client Mastercard was also awarded the Brand Grand Prix accolade for its award performance across the festival.

The win set a new record for most ‘Network of The Year’ titles won by the same network with McCann Worldgroup having previously been awarded in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.  

‘The Agency Network of the Year’ title is the most prestigious award that the festival gives, and McCann Worldgroup made a triumphant return with 48 awards and 15 shortlist for 14 campaigns coming from 8 different markets: Czech Republic, Israel, Latvia, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland.  

The Network counted a total of five Grands Prix, 17 Golden, 12 Silver and 13 Bronze Drums as well as one special award Best of Genius Loci (use of local insight) for ‘Where to Settle’ in partnership with Mastercard, from Poland.  

In addition, MRM Romania was named ‘Digital Agency of the Year’ and UM Romania named ‘Media Agency of the Year.’ 

In addition to this, also other McCann Worldgroup’s teams received significant recognition for other categories. Marcin Sosinski, Managing Director and Executive Creative Director, McCann Poland was named Creative Director of the Year.

“This is a remarkable milestone. Our talented team have set an incredible record for consistent creative excellence – at both a regional and local level. Following on the heels of being named # 1 Effie Network in Europe (2022) for the 7th year running, this is another testament to our region. The dedication of our teams really demonstrates the determination that it takes to be a winning network. I am extremely proud of the teams who collaborated to deliver this fantastic result,” said Fernando Fascioli, president, McCann Worldgroup, UK & Europe.

“It takes a lot of ambition, it takes passionate people enjoying putting in the effort and going the extra mile, it takes shared values with our clients, it takes courage and respect for the work. I’m very proud of our community. We proved once again that we are very united group that can accomplish amazing things.” said Catalin Dobre, Co-CEO & CCO of McCann Worldgroup Romania and regional creative director of McCann CEE.

“Winning Creative Director of the Year at Golden Drum is not just a personal achievement. It's a testament to the incredible talents in our entire agency, whom I've had the privilege to lead and collaborate with. Their passion and ingenuity have played an integral role in this recognition. McCann’s network and regional support of our creative efforts, have also been key to our creative output. Fundamental in this mix are our clients without whom realizing bold creative visions would be impossible. Such a win is an honor that motivates me to continue pushing the envelope,” said Marcin Sosinski, managing director and executive creative director, McCann Poland. 

The Golden Drum is the most important creative festival in the region. The Competition and Awards are open to all agencies, advertisers, clients, design or production houses, media companies and others involved in the creation or production of marketing communications from the CEE region but newly also for Nordic countries.