#Newsmaker: FCB Joburg CCO Ahmed Tilly to judge NYF Advertising Awards

Ahmed Tilly, CCO at FCB Joburg.

Tilly will join other executive creative directors from advertising agencies across the globe for four days in New York City from 31 March to 3 April to judge the shortlisted entries selected by the online NYF grand jury and select the World’s Best Advertising.

He tells us that it’s the work that makes him jealous that makes winning work stand out. It needs to be unexpected, evocative and contagious, he says. More on this here…

Congrats on your appointment to the executive jury for the 2020 New York Festivals Advertising Awards. How do you feel about this?

I feel really privileged to serve on the New York Festival jury. I cannot wait to rub shoulders with some amazing people on the panel.

20 executive jury members confirmed for New York Festivals Advertising Awards

14 Jan 2020

What does your role as executive jury member entail?

Treating the work that people have slaved over with the respect it deserves, to be critical but fair and most importantly, reward work that moves clients and agencies forward, and moves people emotionally.

And tell us more about your role as CCO at FCB Joburg. What does this recognition mean for the agency?

FCB is a great agency with a proven track record of producing ideas that make people love brands. To represent an agency of this calibre is an honour.

What do you love most about your job/working at FCB and in Johannesburg?

The people. I have met some of the most inspiring people who are as diverse in culture as they are in their thinking. Being surrounded by such incredible human beings is a joy.

#BehindtheSelfie with... Ahmed Tilly

Leigh Andrews  24 Apr 2019

Any other career highlights you’re particularly proud of?

At FCB in particular, being part of the team that created a short film for South African Tourism was a highlight. Winning an award for Best Foreign Film for that particular piece was truly special.

However, the thing I am most proud of is watching some brilliant young talent move up in their careers to positions and opportunities that they deserve.

Tell us a bit about your judging experience and how this has equipped you for your role on the jury panel.

The more panels I’ve served on, the more I’ve learned. Just listening to some of the world’s best is an education in itself.

If the piece is unexpected, evocative and contagious, it’s usually a winner.

Ultimately, the work that makes me jealous, the work that makes me think, “I wish I had done that,” is usually a winning entry.

What are you most looking forward to?