Madison Avenue’s young guns storm the Hall of Achievement

NEW YORK: Nearly 500 guests packed Pier Sixty in New York on what organisers bill as “the most inspiring night in advertising.”  They weren’t wrong. The American Advertising Federation rolled out the red carpet for eight fresh inductees into its Hall of Achievement, whilst supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham scooped a special cultural force award.
For 33 years, the Hall of Achievement has set the gold standard for recognising advertising talent aged 40 and under. It’s a stamp of approval that matters in an industry obsessed with the next big thing. Content creator Eric Sedeño hosted the gala, which doubled as both celebration and validation for a cohort redefining how brands talk to consumers.
The selection process doesn’t mess about. Nominees who meet the criteria face scrutiny from a council of judges comprising Hall of Achievement alumni and top industry executives. Two rounds of voting separate the contenders from the chosen. The American Advertising Federation, which also runs the Advertising Hall of Fame, has turned the under-40 honour into a career-defining moment.
Graham’s cultural force award recognises her impact beyond the catwalk. The model has built a business empire whilst championing body positivity and reshaping beauty standards—the kind of cultural shift that makes advertising executives sit up and take notice.
At 33 years old, the Hall of Achievement shows no signs of losing its lustre. In an industry where youth drives innovation and disruption pays dividends, getting inducted before hitting 40 remains the ultimate flex.

This year’s list of inductees cuts across industries, companies, business size and culture. From left to right:
Front row seated:
Alison Levin: NBCUniversal president, advertising & partnerships.
Abi Evans: Dentsu Creative chief growth officer. Abi was also honored with the Jack Avrett Volunteer Spirit Award in recognition of her service to the industry.
Amie Owen: IPG Mediabrands chief commerce officer.
Jason Schulweis: The Female Quotient former chief Commercial officer.
Back row standing:
Orlando Baeza: Chime VP of brand and creative.
Charlotte Tansill:  Ogilvy North America president, PR, social & influence.
Ashley Graham: presented the AAF’s Special Cultural Force Award.
Paolo Provinciali: LinkedIn VP marketing – growth, performance & operations.