Droga5 Sydney’s chief strategy officer, Justin Graham, has become just the second advertising exec to be named one of BOSS Magazine’s Young Executives of the Year.

Graham, who joined Droga5 three years ago, nabbed one of the six coveted spots on the Award’s winners list.

He is the second executive from adland to win the award since they began in 2004. Advertising’s first Young Executives winner was Mike Rebelo who took home the award in 2004.

Rebelo, who now runs Saatchi & Saatchi and was a judge for this year’s gongs, said: “I was looking for leaders who really know who they are and how this naturally evolves into an inspirational and effective leadership style.”

Graham was put through his paces to win one of the six awards with contenders taking part in highly-structure role play scenarios. The role-plays saw Graham develop global briefs and react to breaking crises.

Finding a mentor helped Graham push through the “gruelling judging process”.

“Mentors have always been incredibly important to me,” Graham said.

“For me it is important to choose someone who had similar ambition when they were in your shoes and now has the runs on the board, also someone who tells you like it is!”