Consumer champion to head up DMA Awards judging

As the DMA Awards celebrate its 25th Anniversary, the need for well conceived and well executed direct marketing has never been greater. Clients and agencies have greater direct marketing budgets at their disposal than ever before and those that produce quality work are reaping the rewards. Yet consumer confidence in direct marketing and perceptions of the industry need to be significantly improved and Peter Vicary-Smith’s appointment as Chair of Judges highlights the importance the DMA has placed on ensuring the industry behaves responsibly. The DMA backs intelligent direct marketing using engaging creative alongside clever strategy and targeting which culminates in great results for clients. Judged against these tough criteria, the Awards celebrate the best the industry has to offer.

As Chair of Judges, Peter Vicary-Smith will oversee the 200 strong judging panel and chair the judging of the coveted Grand Prix – selected from all of the category Gold winners. Only the DMA Awards recognise the full range of elements that can make direct marketing so effective: strategy, creativity and results.

Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive of Which? comments, “Over the last few years direct marketing has come of age and is no longer the Cinderella of the marketing profession. Good marketing organisations see the importance and value of integrated marketing campaigns with direct marketing forming a part of them. The DMA Awards reward excellence and should act as inspiration to people in the industry. I am also, of course, keen to award those campaigns which are creative and responsible in building brands and business."

Wanda Goldwag, Chair of the DMA Awards Committee added, “We are at a cross roads – media fragmentation makes targeting consumers ever more difficult and at the frontline of the battle for their attention is direct marketing. The challenge for the industry and clients is in data, targeting and ensuring the relevance of the communication to the consumer. I welcome Peter to the DMA Awards as someone whose own organisation is facing the same issues. I am sure his experience will add to the intensity of the judging in this year’s competition. Together we will celebrate those clients and agencies which are really succeeding in getting through to people.”

For further information please contact:

Justine Storey & Veronique Attas
The Media Foundry
Tel : 0207 792 1942 / 020 7792 0185
Email : justinestorey@themediafoundry.comor veroniqueattas@themediafoundry.com