AME's Grand Jury members are Strategic, Innovative, Analytical Critical Thinkers, Creative Storytellers who are dedicated to ensuring brand awarness and equity.Their global reputations as both industry leaders and award-winning marketers guarantee that all entries submitted into the AME Awards are evaluated with the utmost of care and consideration.Their commitment to ground-breaking effective work and their understanding of the partnerhip between creative and effective work have delivered impressive results for prominent global brands.
2022 AME Grand Jury member Mike Hanley is currently VP, Creative Director at BBDO Atlanta. In 2011, Mike moved to BBDO Atlanta where he worked on everything from the award-winning AT&T “It’s Not Complicated” national campaign to regional brands like Novant Health. He currently responsible for leading multiple creative teams across several brands including Sanderson Farms, Voya Financial and The Home Depot.
Mike spent the first 10 years of his career in New York at the Kaplan Thaler Group and BBDO. He got his start at Kaplan working on major brands like Aflac, Continental Airlines, Foxwoods Casino, as well as a number of P&G accounts. At BBDO NY he worked on m&m’s, Lowe’s and Pizza Hut.
In the interview below, Mike shares his perspective on what mediums are front in center this year, the evolution of brand positioning and values, why effectiveness competitions are important and more.
AME Awards: Why are effectiveness competitions like the AME Awards important?
Mike Hanley: Awards shows like the AME Awards are important, not just to recognize within the ad community what work is truly inspiring, but it’s also important because it shows our client tangible proof that award winning work works.
AME Awards: Speak to the evolution of brand positioning, values, and tone of voice during the past few years.
Mike Hanley: It’s not enough to simply tell consumers what your brand can provide for them. Consumers want to know what a brand stands for. The successful brands out there are doing this. They’ve shifted from touting a list of product benefits that may or may not separate a brand from the pack to sharing their core values and beliefs.
AME Awards: What mediums will be front and center in 2022?
Mike Hanley: The metaverse. It’s coming. No one is quite sure what it is or what it will become, but we all know it will be here. Some brands will dive right in and capitalize on it. Others will intentionally stay away from it, and spin that to their advantage. And then others will pretend it doesn’t exist. It will be interesting to see what brands do it right.
AME Awards: Why did you agree to participate on this year’s AME Grand Jury and What do you hope to learn by viewing entries into this competition?
Mike Hanley: I’m happy to be participating on this year’s AME Grand Jury. I am looking forward to learning from and being inspired by all the creative ways brands are evolving their message and incorporating new technologies to get that message heard.