Thinking of entering Ad Tech Personality of the Year or Ad Tech Rising Star? We spoke to last year's big winners about what it meant to them...

Every November, ad tech's great and good gather to find out who among them has earned the industry's nod of approval. Two of our awards stand apart because they're not about the work, they're about the person behind it. Ad Tech Personality of the Year and Ad Tech Rising Star exist to reward those who moved the industry forward, and who's the next big thing.

In 2025, Fiona Salmon was named Ad Tech Personality of the Year, while GumGum's Kamran Vahabi, was our Rising Star.

So what does it actually mean to win a Wires award? We sat down with both winners to find out.

Think this could be your year, or know whose year it should be? There's still time to enter for 2026. Get your entry or nomination in now.

Fiona Salmon, 2025 Ad Tech Personality of the Year

"Winning Ad Tech Personality of the Year felt like a wonderful recognition of my career to date.  I was incredibly proud, and genuinely grateful to be recognised by an industry I’ve loved being part of for so long.

It also led to some brilliant conversations and, perhaps unexpectedly, quite a few approaches about what I might do next… so a nice reminder that you never quite know which doors a little recognition might open."

Kamran Vahabi, 2025 Ad Tech Rising Star

"Receiving The Wires' Ad Tech Rising Star award meant a lot and is certainly a career highlight for me. We all hope our hard work is noticed and that we leave a positive impression on those around us. Winning this award gave me confidence, knowing I was recognised not just by my company, but also by peers across the industry.

The AdTech sector is, above all, a community. It thrives on its ability to attract and nurture new talent, which makes The Wires all the more valuable. By supporting and showcasing emerging leaders, they help strengthen our community. Thanks to this award, I’ve met some fantastic people and even discovered a few exciting new opportunities!

I’m grateful for my supportive colleagues and peers, and I encourage everyone to be generous - with your time, with each other, and with yourselves."