Leo Burnett’s Karen Ferry Appointed AWARD School’s NSW Head

AWARD School has announced the appointment of Leo Burnett senior copywriter Karen Ferry as its NSW head alongside Clemenger BBDO creative director Brendan Willenberg.

Ferry joined Leo Burnett in 2016 as a senior copywriter. Her career spans 11 years, acquiring over 70 awards and accolades through her work with some of Sydney’s leading agencies including The Monkeys, DDB and J. Walter Thompson.

Ferry has also had her work shown off at South by Southwest and published in industry textbooks. She has also judged on award juries and tutored at AWARD School, and attended the inaugural AWARD Emerging Creative Directors course in 2016.

Commenting on her appointment, Ferry said: “I’m super excited and honoured to be taking the charge alongside Brendan, and look forward to guiding tomorrow’s bright sparks into illuminating the future.”

Willenberg said Ferry’s skill as a creative leader and passion for mentoring make her an exciting addition for AWARD School.

“It’s only been a few weeks since we wrapped up AWARD School 2017, and Karen is already throwing ideas at me on how to make 2018 bigger and better,” he said.

“There is a lot to look forward to.”

Ferry succeeds Niccola Phillips, head of art at M&C Saatchi, who has held the NSW head position at AWARD School since her appointment two years ago, and prior to this, served as an AWARD committee member.

Phillips’ tenure was characterised by significant highlights, including developing the inaugural AWARD School pop-up event at Semi-Permanent ,where emerging creatives worked on live briefs for socially responsible causes.

She was also awarded four AWARD School scholarships, along with the David Droga Prize while in post.

Phillips attributed the students to be her greatest inspiration.

“Their thinking is fresh, their outlook is positive, and the energy that they bring into the room each week is contagious,” she said.

“Be assured, I’ll be following the careers of the next generation of creatives with a proud smile on my face.”

AWARD chair and Saatchi & Saatchi Australia chief creative officer Mike Spirkovski said: “Karen has already proven her worth by helping tutor this year’s AWARD School National winner, Tom Lawrence. I look forward to seeing Karen’s impact on next year’s curriculum.

“On behalf of AWARD, I would like to thank Niccola Phillips for her incredible dedication and support as head of AWARD School over the past two-plus years. She has set us up for future success.”

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