ICCO Reveals the Winners of the 2024 Global Awards

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation announced the 2024 ICCO Global Awards winners during a dazzling gala at The Waldorf Hotel in London. The event brought together global PR and communications professionals to honour the year’s most outstanding campaigns, teams, and individuals.

Among 64 shortlisted entries, the jury awarded 29 statuettes, recognising excellence across campaigns, agencies, and individual achievements. The night’s biggest winners were DTEK from Ukraine, securing three awards for Best B2B Campaign, Best Media Relations Campaign, and Best Event, Launch, or Stunt in a Campaign and Kurio from Finland, last year’s big winner, who added three more trophies to their collection this year for Campaign of the Year: Western and Northern Europe, Best Digital, New Media and Influencer Marketing Campaign and Best Internal Communications and Employer Branding Campaign. Following closely was SEC Newgate CEE from Poland, taking home two campaign awards for their work with TVN Warner Bros. Discovery and the Rising Star Award for Szymon Dziewięcki.

Individual accolades included Vivien Chiong from Nanyang Technological University Singapore, named PR Leader of the Year. Additionally, Patrick Penninckx, Head of Digital Development and Governance at the Council of Europe, was inducted into the ICCO Hall of Fame, an honour established in 2003 to recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to the internationalisation and strengthening the quality standards of the public relations industry. Over his remarkable 35-year career, Patrick played a pivotal role in transforming the Council of Europe and fostering valuable partnerships with international and national institutions. Upon receiving the award, Patrick remarked, “This recognition is not only a testament to my journey but also to the incredible collective efforts within the PR industry to foster dialogue, transparency, and impact on human rights and democracy.”

Another evening highlight was the announcement of the ICCO and Global Women in PR, ‘Angela Oakes Award winner.’ Named in honour of the late Angela Oakes, this award celebrates outstanding contributions to female empowerment and leadership in the PR industry, reinforcing ICCO’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. This year’s honoree was Michelle Hutton, Global Chief Client & Growth Officer from Burson, recognised for her groundbreaking work empowering women in the field.

This year’s awards saw submissions from over 20 countries evaluated by a panel of 13 international PR experts who assessed the entries for creativity, impact, and effectiveness. The judging process was designed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and representation, drawing insights from professionals across EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions.

ICCO President Grzegorz Szczepański commented, “This year’s entries once again showcased the highest standards of excellence, and we are deeply impressed by the creativity and impact displayed across all submissions. It is particularly heartening that the most popular categories were ‘Improving Society and the Reputation of Public Relations’ and ‘Not for Profit or Charity Award’. This reflects the ICCO community’s big-hearted commitment to social causes and dedication to driving meaningful change. We are proud to see that the ICCO community not only advocates for others but also leads by example, championing initiatives that improve society and elevate the public image of PR itself. These awards celebrate today’s outstanding achievements while setting a strong benchmark for the future of our industry.”

The 2024 ICCO Global Awards continue to highlight the evolving landscape of PR and communications, with new categories introduced this year to reflect the industry’s scope and innovation better. The night celebrated creativity, strategic execution, and the measurable impact of campaigns tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The complete list of winners can be found below:

Large agency of the year

SPAG FINN Partners

Small/Medium agency of the year

Legacy Communications

Championing Diversity Award

ON PURPOSE

Special ICCO Global Award for Improving Society and Reputation of PR

#PRethics: Elevating Ethical Standards in PR - Rayne Strategy Group

Campaign of the Year: Central, Eastern and Southern Europe

Food For Thought - UNHCR Bulgaria x All Channels

Campaign of the Year: Western and Northern Europe

Finland's Energy-Wisest School - Kurio & Caverion (& co.)

Campaign of the Year: Americas

BALCONES – THE SPIRIT OF MODERN INDEPENDENCE - Smarts

Campaign of the Year: Middle East and Africa

Abu Dhabi Sports Championships: More Than a Game - Action Global Communications

Automotive and Transport Award

#ReadyFor20mph - Lynn

Technology Award

ZIPLINE’S THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ODYSSEY - Newmark Group

Not for Profit or Charity Award

Weather Kids - UNDP & Activation Partners

Health, Wellness, and Wellbeing Award

Il Costo della Bellezza - Omnicom Public Relations Group & Unilever - Dove

Construction, Energy, and Real Estate Award

“Mehr Zuhaus’ in Österreich!” - Skills | TEAM FARNER

Sport and Entertainment Award

Championing Diversity, Fighting Toxicity in Gaming - SLOVA TECH PR & GAMETREE

Consumer Goods Award

BRITISH GAS – SCOTTISH LASS - Smarts

Best Digital, New Media and Influencer Marketing Campaign

Fazer Remix Influencer Remix - Kurio & Fazer

Best Use of AI in a Campaign

ATxSG // Co-Piloting with AI at the Nexus of Technology and Humanity - WE Communications - IMDA ATxSG

Best B2B Campaign

FIGHT FOR LIGHT - DTEK

Best Internal Communications and Employer Branding Campaign

Finland's Energy-Wisest School - Kurio & Caverion (& co.)

Best ESG Campaign

Combating Job Scams, Human Trafficking, Illegal Migration, and Forced Labour through Public Awareness - QNET SAY NO! Campaign & Newmark Group

Best Strategy and Evaluation in a Campaign

#ReadyFor20mph - Lynn

Best Media Relations Campaign

FIGHT FOR LIGHT - DTEK

Best Public Affairs Campaign

Saving Free Media in Poland - SEC Newgate CEE & TVN Warner Bros. Discovery

Best Event, Launch or Stunt in a Campaign

FIGHT FOR LIGHT - DTEK

Best Crisis Management Campaign

Saving Free Media in Poland - SEC Newgate CEE & TVN Warner Bros. Discovery

Rising Star

Szymon Dziewięcki, Project Manager, SEC Newgate CEE

PR Leader of the Year

Vivien Chiong, Chief Communication Officer, Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Angela Oakes Award

Michelle Hutton, Global Chief Client & Growth Officer, Burson

Hall of Fame

Patrick Penninckx, Head of Digital Development and Governance, Council of Europe