Steve Henry steps into Washington Olivetto’s shoes for this year’s AdFest
AdFest has announced a new Grand Jury President replacing Washington Olivetto. Steve Henry, founder and former creative director of Howell Henry Chaldecott Lury (HHCL) in London takes over for the judging. Olivetto unfortunately is unable to make the new AdFest judging dates from 24-28 May 2010 following the festival’s postponement.
Jimmy Lam, President of the ADFEST Working Committee said, “We are delighted that Steve has been able to step in as ADFEST Grand Jury President at such short notice. We are looking forward to his energy and experience to select the most deserving winners of the Lotus Awards.”
As the founder and creative director of HHCL, Henry was the youngest person to make Campaign magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame in 2007, which listed 40 of the most influential people in British advertising over the last 50 years.
“I consider it a great honour to step in as Grand Jury President at ADFEST this year. I have always enjoyed seeing work from Asia. I’ve been interested in the region all my life, at least partly because I was born in Hong Kong!” says Henry.
“I’m hoping to see rule-breaking work, which on one hand is hard because of the economic situation, but on the other hand is easier because of all the opportunities brought by new media. I’m looking forward to seeing how Asia, which has a growing and well-deserved reputation for creativity, is faring.”
Henry’s appointment puts the Awards judging back on track to be completed by the end of May 2010. Olivetto expressed his deep regret at not being able to attend AdFest’s new judging session due to prior commitments. Fortunately, the majority of the invited Jury Presidents and Jury members are all available to attend the new dates, so the new judging schedule will go ahead as planned.
AdFest’s main festival event that accompanies the Lotus Awards judging was originally scheduled to take place on 18-20 March 2010. It was cancelled due to political tensions in Bangkok but is planned to return in 2011. For further information, visit www.adfest.com