We give you a first glance at this year’s judging panel for The Wires 2026, first hearing from a few voices representing the EMEA region.

As the UK wakes up to spring, we’re planning far ahead: this year’s The Wires will mark a decade of ExchangeWire’s awards celebrating the very best of the ad tech industry. 

For The Wires’ tenth trip around the sun, we’ve handpicked another excellent panel of judges spanning EMEA, APAC, MENA and the US, including individuals from brands, agencies, and publishers. 

Our judges will be tasked with deciding which entries have made the biggest splash in ad tech: which have demonstrated the most impressive innovation, the best use of technology, the most creative flair?  

Today, we shine the spotlight on a few voices from the EMEA region. We asked them what they believe will make an award-winning entry and what qualities define an award-winning campaign or product. They shared what excites them most about being a judge for The Wires 2026, as well as where they believe the industry is heading. 

Katie Moreton, Shopper Marketing Lead, The Magnum Ice Cream Company 

What truly elevates an award‑winning campaign or product launch for me is the seamless integration of consumer‑centric insight, bold and thoughtful creative, and clearly defined objectives that drive long‑term brand equity – whether that’s through converting at the most critical moments or bringing new shoppers into the category.

I’m excited to join The Wires judging panel at a time where the industry is accelerating towards more meaningful, AI‑powered media measurement and breakthrough technological capability, all underpinned by the exceptional talent across brands, retailers, and agencies. It’s a brilliant moment to recognise work that’s not just effective today, but shaping where our industry goes next!

Aiden O'Halloran, Media Director, Europe, Ruggable

I’m excited to join The Wires judging panel at a time when marketing is being held to a higher commercial standard than ever before. For me, award-winning work is built on clear insight, amplified through smart strategy, and measured against outcomes that matter to the overall business, not just to the campaign. I’m particularly interested in how our industry is raising the bar for effectiveness, integration and leadership, whilst balancing data and technology to make sharper decisions, not just faster ones.

René Hißerich, Senior Director Media, Content & Digital Marketing, Mars Pet Nutrition Europe 

It’s exciting to join The Wires 2026 judging panel because it offers a front-row seat to the boldest, most forward-thinking ideas shaping the future of digital media, marketing, and commerce.

Serving as a judge means engaging with work that pushes boundaries and status quo while delivering impact and collaborating with fellow industry leaders who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table. It’s an opportunity not only to celebrate excellence, but to help define the standards that inspire the next wave of breakthrough campaigns. I cannot wait to see the entries. 

Stephanie Fabb, Chief Data Officer, Independent Digital News & Media 

What excites me most about joining The Wires judging panel is the opportunity to celebrate creativity and innovation across the media industry, discover fresh ideas that push boundaries, and support the next generation of talent shaping the future of storytelling. I'm particularly interested in seeing campaigns that embrace emerging technologies, data-driven insights, and audience-first strategies to drive engagement, inclusivity, and measurable impact.

David Ayre, Head of Programmatic EU, Assembly Global 

I’m looking forward to seeing how this year’s entries reflect the way agencies, brands, and media owners have tackled rapid shifts in consumer behaviour – such as LLMs, video, audio, and the evolution of traditional media channels becoming digital.

As accountability for media spend remains more critical than ever, I am particularly interested in how these entries demonstrate a clear return on investment for clients. The winners will likely be those driving the most impressive innovation across data and measurement to prove that their strategies are truly delivering in today's market.

Richard Cavill, Head of Programmatic, Bicycle 

I am most excited to see the industry's continued omnichannel innovations and how we can make campaigns work smarter. With many established channels, and a rapidly evolving landscape in general, now more than ever, is the time to lean into new inventory, data, and technology. I want to see the bleeding edge and the unexpected…