Following the return of the Prolific North Creative Awards, we can reveal a number of the industry experts already on board to judge the entries for 2024.
Back by popular demand for a second year, the Creative Awards recognises the talented organisations, teams and individuals emerging from the North’s creative sectors.
With input from leaders across the creative sector, these awards aim to unite the Northern creative scene, showcase brilliant ideas, and pave the way for aspiring young creatives.
Entries are now officially open, with the early bird deadline closing on 26 February.
From brand-side marketers to experts with decades of experience, below are some of the judges who will be looking over your entries this year. The independent panel of judges ensure the process is fair and transparent. You can find out more about them and the rest of the judges here.
Gemma Montgomery-Dickens, marketing director at Mark Hill Hair
As marketing director at disruptive hair care brand Mark Hill Hair, Montgomery-Dickens is the brains behind the brand’s most recent, daring marketing campaigns that have turned heads in the hair, beauty and cosmetics industry.
An advocate of brands being more transparent and a champion of creativity and long-term brand building, she has more than a decade of experience in the hair and beauty industry. After working at some of the UK’s biggest retailers and brands, she returned to Mark Hill Hair last year to oversee its marketing and creative direction.
Vineet Raheja, head of creative at ITV
As head of creative at ITV, Raheja leads two creative teams (creative development and creative production) to develop ambitious ideas that help brands tap into popular culture and live at the intersection of advertising and entertainment.
Prior to joining ITV, he was an adman with over 20 years’ UK and international experience working not only for large network agencies, such as McCann, but also for creative independents such as HHCL. His work has been recognised at both national and international award shows including Cannes, New York Festival and Caples.
Charlie Sadler, head of commercial and marketing at The Gate Films
Sadler has worked in the advertising industry for over 10 years, having started at The Gate’s post-production facility before going agency side. She returned to The Gate Films three years ago, where she is now head of commercial and marketing.
She has been both a producer at Hanger Seven working on photography and film shoots for brands like John Lewis and Tesco, and also an account manager at creative agencies working on integrated campaigns for Silent Night and Sharps.
Justin Clark, Founder at SocialNorth
Justin Clark is one of the UK’s leading social media experts with more than 15 years experience in the UK and overseas. A proud Northerner, he’s also the founder of SocialNorth, a networking and speaker event bringing together the digital communities of the North. SocialNorth has attracted speakers from Vogue, the UN, LadBible Group, British Red Cross, Ministry of Defence and many more.
Clark also holds multiple positions outside his own businesses, including as social director at Mangold Consultancy and member of the advisory board at fast-growing Manchester based social media start-up, Chatloop. He mentors young social media professionals and is a proud advocate for causes related to Mental Health and Multiple Sclerosis.
Chloe Davies, Founder at It Takes a Village
Chloe Davies campaigns for inclusion and equality in social spaces, corporate organisations and the wider community. She spent over 15 years working in retail, artist management and PR, before starting her own company in 2015.
Back in September 2021, she took on the role of head of social impact for creative company Lucky Generals, where she was responsible for setting the company’s social impact and sustainability (ESG) goals alongside the firm’s founders. Last year, she decided to set up on her own and founded It Takes A Village – a collective for black women in advertising, media & marketing.
Explore the categories for 2024’s Creative Awards and get started on your entries before the early bird deadline closes on 26 February. Good luck!
