Advantage judging panel for 2004 AD mag Awards

John Farquhar, Editor-in-Chief of ADvantage magazine will chair the 2004 AD mag Awards in conjunction with the adjudicating panel. The independent judges are:

Gordon Patterson, Managing Director, Starcom

Patterson's formative years were spent in the print industry resulting in a passion for the medium. With many years of media planning and strategy to his credit, in 2000, Patterson launched and was appointed MD of Starcom. He is currently Deputy President of the Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Luisa Belter, Managing Director, Mindshare

A leading player in the industry, Belter has exceptional experience in the formulation of media strategies and business models and has progressively moved up the ranks within Mindshare to her current position as Managing Director. A seasoned veteran, her career has been built on experience and a determined drive to learn every facet of the media business. With over 14 years of experience in MindShare alone, Belter adds credence to the judging panel.

Virginia Hollis, Joint Managing Director Johannesburg, The MediaShop

With over 20 years experience in the media industry, Hollis is Joint Managing Director of the Johannesburg branch of leading media independent The MediaShop. Renowned as an industry expert, Hollis's knowledge of the advertising and media industry makes her a valuable member of the judging panel.

Wilma de Bruin, Media and Marketing journalist, Beeld

A freelance journalist, De Bruin makes editorial contributions to various leading publications and edits the media & marketing page in Sake-Beeld.

John Farquhar, Editor-in-Chief, Advantage

Independent media, advertising and marketing journalist, Farquhar is Editor-in-Chief of Advantage Magazine and initiator of the Ad mag Awards. An industry icon, Farquhar has been influential in the reporting of the industry and its successes.

Commenting on the stature of the judging panel, Farquhar says, "The Ad mag Awards has consistently grown in standing and is one of the most sought after consumer publishing awards. That industry experts of this calibre are willing to lend their expertise and time to judge the entries indicates the importance and credibility of the AD mag Awards. The Awards attract talented judges who are experts in their fields and relish the more thought-provoking entries and tough competition - the judges have an exciting yet challenging responsibility ahead of them."