Judging Panel
We will be announcing more judges over the coming weeks. Keep an eye on SocialDay’s social media for announcements. The judges below are from a previous event with new judges coming soon.
Founder, Grow Your Digital Agency Initiative
Robert is the Author of Grow Your Digital Agency (GYDA) and Founder of the GYDA Initiative. They work with some of Europe’s leading independent agency owners and founders, helping them to run the agency they really want to run – either working in the boardroom, mastermind groups or consulting settings. Robert acts as NED or chair to several agency boards. He also runs business development programs for the top Google Premier Partners across Europe. And this work has taken me from Johannesburg to New York to Singapore to talk to agencies about their growth and development.
“It is an honour and a privilege to see the best of the best in this exciting industry that we are all in.”
Founder & Creative Director, Nick Entwistle
Nick is the Creative Director and Founder of the Bank of Creativity, working with agencies and brands to create compelling content to engage their audiences and generate big interest in their product or service. Nick has 60,000+ followers on social media, including the community user-generated content platform One Minute Briefs which encourages instinctive creativity.
“This year there has been a real focus on social media due to the pandemic and I'd like to help recognise some of the great campaigns that have been happening over the last year.”
Head of Social Media & Integrated Marketing (International), LinkedIn
After four years agency-side working with world-renowned brands in tech, retail and music, Conor went client-side at LinkedIn in 2018, heading up social media for EMEA/LATAM and now fulfilling the role of Head of Social Media & Integrated Marketing internationally.
"I am pleased to be a judge because I love the unlimited creative potential that social media can deliver for brands.”
Lecturer (Marketing to Businesses and Organisations) at the University of Bath
Having worked in business-to-business sales and marketing for over 15-years, Kim has caught the research bug and now leads the Business-to-Business and Marketing units at the University of Bath. Additionally, she has taught on the MBA, International Marketing and generalist marketing programmes. Her research interests are commercialising innovation and dynamic capabilities, particularly within the engineering industries industry where she still carries out and is available for consultancy on market scoping, product acceptance, and commercialisation.
“It's an amazing opportunity to stay abreast of what's going on in the industry… For me, an excellent entry stands out for three reasons: it is a balance of evidence-based tactics, developed on a strong strategy and sound customer and market research.”
Founder & CEO, The Social Store
Ian founded The Social Store to create consumer products, brands and digital collectibles with social stars. They sell online, up and down the high street and around the world. Ian is fascinated by new technology and how it can be applied to the creative and retail industries and am actively working on NFT projects with my clients. He created Hearts By Tiana with Tiana Wilson, the most popular tween on YouTube in the world. This is the biggest ever influencer license in the UK across multiple retailers and product categories. We also hosted the UK’s biggest ever influencer pop-up shop with 20,000 fans over one weekend.
“I am super passionate about the social media space, and excited about the new opportunities emerging. It's great to support and celebrate the businesses thriving in this amazing industry!… I believe an excellent entry includes a compelling story, a genuine purpose and is supported by robust data to demonstrate the success!”
Founder, The Marketing Meetup
Joe Glover founded The Marketing Meetup 5 years ago in a servery in Cambridge as a hobby because he was terrified to walk into networking situations. 5 years on, the group unites 21,000+ marketers from Torbay to New York with talks and networking that don't make you feel slimy when you walk out of the room.
"There are good people doing great work out there. It's always a thrill to be able to take a moment to appreciate the efforts of folks who are putting in the effort, thinking differently, and applying themselves in the right direction. I always learn a lot when I'm a judge too, so I'm looking forward to being part of the judging team. Good luck everyone who enters!"
Industry Lead, TikTok
Anastasia Nicholl is TikTok's Industry Lead for Technology and Gaming Brand Partnerships, where she leads the team that supports top brands to deliver marketing and advertising campaigns on TikTok. In her role, Anastasia is responsible for delivering client success and driving revenue for TikTok, building a team that consults brands including Apple, Samsung and Microsoft on how to be successful on TikTok.
Joining TikTok in October 2018, just a few months after the company was launched, Anastasia has had roles across CPG and Beauty before assuming her current position. Prior to TikTok she was Head of Client Services at the Facebook and Linkedin Marketing Partner Driftrock, and was a Client Partner at Facebook for two years before that.
“An excellent entry for me is one that challenges. Maybe it challenges your perception of media planning, maybe it looks at data/insights in an unusual way, maybe it challenges the creative limits of what was previously thought possible. An entry that pushes boundaries will stand out for me.”
Lead Marketing Manager EMEA, Twitter
Dave (@pepperds) has a passion for ensuring that customer needs are met. As Lead Marketing Manager of the EMEA region at Twitter Business, Dave encourages and supports businesses and brands to connect with what's happening and achieve their marketing goals on Twitter. With 20+ years experience at brands such as O2, iD Mobile and permanentTSB, he has achieved success in both B2C and B2B through roles in marketing strategy, planning, customer loyalty and proposition development.
“Social media has played a crucial role in bringing people together during the past twelve months, and I'm excited to help celebrate the most creative, innovative and interesting concepts created by some amazing people from across the country.”
Senior Social Media Manager, Guinness World Records
Dan Thorne is Guinness World Records’ Senior Social Media Manager and is responsible for content curation and community management across all GWR’s social channels. Since joining the company in 2013, Dan has helped grow GWR’s social audience significantly, focusing on the vast archive of content from TV, publishing and user generated footage from record attempts. Best job in the world? Possibly.
“I'm excited to see new innovations and trailblazing new approaches to social across different industries.”
Manager (Northern Europe), Snap
Hannah has been working at Snap for the past 4 years, working with some of the biggest businesses in the UK and digital-first start ups. Her mission is to help them to leverage Snapchat's innovative ad formats, as well as unpacking the tangible business impact and ROI they provide. Hannah now manages a team of sellers across Northern Europe who focus on eCommerce and app businesses, making sure to drive returns for their spend on the platform. She has over 10 years of experience creating meaningful relationships in the advertising industry.
“So much hard work goes into building best in class social campaigns, so it's important that we recognise and celebrate the talent in the industry behind all the innovation.”
Senior Marketing Director, National Football League
Charlotte Offord is the Senior Marketing Director for the NFL in the UK and is responsible for leading the UK marketing operation, driving increased fan engagement with the NFL brand and delivering substantial growth of the UK fan base. As the leader of the marketing team, she has oversight and management of UK broadcast relationships, content development, digital/social platforms, fan communications as well as research and insights with the aim of identifying, developing and executing marketing strategies to engage UK sports fans and expand the League’s presence in the market.
“I am pleased to be a judge because social media and digital content plays a key part of the NFL International strategy to drive fan growth. I am excited to see the innovative and creative ideas and initiative that other organisations have created.”
Strategic Partnership Manager, Pinterest
Hannah is a Strategic Partner Manager at Pinterest focused on the UK, Canada and Australia. Based in London, Hannah is responsible for driving editorial content acquisition around Pinner trends, social impact projects and seasonal moments. Working with media companies such as Hearst, Immediate, Condé Nast, GUAP, Azeema and Black Girl Fest, it is important to Hannah that all content creation makes a positive impact on people's everyday lives. In 2020, within 3-month of working at Pinterest, Hannah launched Pinterest’s first-ever UK & Ireland Black History Month campaign, 'Black Gold'. Hannah also runs her own podcast 'Walk the Walk', interviewing outstanding black icons about their career journeys and personal stories to finding success.
“I think it's critical to think about your audience, no matter how you identify you should be able to see yourself reflected in the content of great social media and marketing. Diversity isn't a tick box, inclusion should be at the heart of all campaigns.”
![Senior Marketing Manager, ViacomCBSWith over 10 years professional experience, Avinash is a brand marketer, creative and digital enthusiast. Holding a Masters degree in Brand Management, Avinash is particularly experienced in areas of content, influencers, digital, social media, experiential and OOH/special builds. Avinash has worked with global brands such as Spotify, ViacomCBS, MTV, Nickelodeon and talent such as Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande and JoJo Siwa.“I am pleased to be a judge because [social media marketing] is an industry I am hugely passionate about and have worked in for over a decade. It is a huge privilege to be a part of a cutting edge industry.”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acbb4c6da02bc1d1cc47e53/1620228379711-3QJ3GCS76NFYWQAIZL5H/Avinash+Kalra+1.1.png)
Senior Marketing Manager, ViacomCBS
With over 10 years professional experience, Avinash is a brand marketer, creative and digital enthusiast. Holding a Masters degree in Brand Management, Avinash is particularly experienced in areas of content, influencers, digital, social media, experiential and OOH/special builds. Avinash has worked with global brands such as Spotify, ViacomCBS, MTV, Nickelodeon and talent such as Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande and JoJo Siwa.
“I am pleased to be a judge because [social media marketing] is an industry I am hugely passionate about and have worked in for over a decade. It is a huge privilege to be a part of a cutting edge industry.”
Founder, SevenSix Agency
SevenSix Agency is the influencer marketing agency with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Charlotte is fast becoming a go to voice for brands wanting consultancy on inclusive marketing strategies and regularly speaks for and works with platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, alongside sitting on roundtables and panels with industry figureheads such as the ASA and Advertising Association. She founded SevenSix Agency in 2019; since then it has worked with brands such as Propercorn, Greenpeace, Bumble and WWF.
“I've worked in the social media marketing space for a decade and have loved seeing its evolution. There's so much creativity in our industry and it's a privilege to be so close to the greats on this judging panel.”
Senior Business Development Manager, SuperAwesome
Alvin Hussey has over a decade of experience in youth media start ups. He is a Senior Business Development Director at SuperAwesome (recently acquired by Epic Games), the company which powers safe digital engagement with kids and young teens for hundreds of brands globally.
“I am pleased to be a judge because social media has become such a powerful aspect in all of our lives especially in the kids and family ecosystem. It is an honour to be able to review and celebrate the creativity and impactful work that is happening in our industry.”
Brand Manager, Nestlé
Alberto is a Brand Manager at Nestlé UK & Ireland looking after the Smarties brand in the confectionery division, working on innovation, communications and strategy. He also runs a personal side project called AdCoffee, sharing marketing and advertising inspiration on Instagram @dailyadcoffee.
“I just love how fast social media creativity evolves! Social media marketing has been around for a while now but there is always something new around the corner. Ideas, formats, even platforms. It's very exciting An excellent entry for me needs to be unique. Unusual formats, creativity, perspectives. But ultimately it also needs to be effective... so bring the data! :-)”
Associate Creative Director (Digital), The LEGO Group
Matt Guenigault has been working in social and digital for 10 years, working with some incredible brands such as BBC Earth, Doctor Who and Top Gear at the BBC, and now leading Digital in-house at the LEGO Agency EMEA in London. Matt is very passionate about creative storytelling and starting / facilitating meaningful conversations and interactions, and a passionate advocate for mental health.
“I get so much inspiration from seeing how others are telling stories through social. It’s an art form - and I just love seeing what weird and wonderful things people are creating… I think surprise and delight are always key [in an excellent entry]. We’re aiming to provoke human emotions or reactions to the work we put out, and trying to bring audiences on a journey with us, so feeling like that is at the core of a campaign is vital.”
Co-Founder & CEO, Purple Goat Agency
Having lived with a disability since birth, and studied Economics and Marketing at university, Martyn’s career is one of societal inclusion of disabled people. Through not-for-profits, government consultancy and serial entrepreneurship, Martyn has worked on many inclusion initiatives. Most recently, Martyn co-founded Purple Goat, a specialist disability influencer marketing agency, to support tier 1 brands on getting business growth through disability inclusion. Their campaigns are connecting the $8 trillion disability market with many households brands, gaining mainstream media attention too. Martyn is excited for the next few years of creating a truly inclusive world for all.
“It's important to celebrate the creativity and impact of the amazing social media marketing campaigns shaping this excitingly disruptive industry… An excellent entry is that of diversity. Diversity in audience, diversity in creativity, diversity in execution and diversity in its impact on the world.”
Social Media Lead, Canva
Jacky Barker is a Social Media Lead at Canva. Over the past 3 years, she set up and scaled the global social media and community team at Canva. She has 7 years experience in digital and social media, having worked across a range of consumer and B2B brands in the UK and Australia. She also runs a social media meet-up, Social Circle, in Sydney.
“More than ever, we've needed social media to bring us together - I am looking forward to seeing how social media has been used for good through such a testing time, and how brands have leveraged creativity and platform innovations to get cut through when the whole world was online!”