The American Advertising Federation (AAF) has unveiled its 2026 Advertising Hall of Fame class as a part of this system’s seventy fifth anniversary, together with six legendary business leaders, one company honoree, and two President’s Award recipients.
The Advertising Hall of Fame acknowledges people and organizations whose careers have had a long-lasting affect on promoting, enterprise, and tradition. The announcement was made Tuesday at the side of the ringing of the New York Stock Exchange closing bell.
“Our whole industry looks to the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame as the ultimate standard of leadership, character and lasting impact,” Ross Martin, chair of the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame and president of Known, instructed ADWEEK. “The 75th anniversary class is special, not just for what they’ve each achieved, but for who they are, how they did it, and all those they’ve inspired along the way.”
The 2026 Advertising Hall of Fame Inductees
This yr’s Hall of Fame class spans inventive management, model stewardship, advertising and marketing innovation, and long-term cultural affect.
They embrace:
- Gordon Bowen, founder, mcgarrybowen; inventive chairman, Dentsu Creative
- Esi Eggleston Bracey, world chief progress and advertising and marketing officer, Unilever
- Susan Fowler Credle, world inventive advisor, Interpublic Group; former chair and world chief inventive officer, FCB
- David Droga, vice chair, Accenture; founder, Droga5
- Tim Ellis, chief advertising and marketing officer, NFL
- Jim Stengel, president and CEO, The Jim Stengel Company; former world advertising and marketing officer, Procter & Gamble
“The Advertising Hall of Fame honors industry legends for their globally recognized achievements, groundbreaking innovations, and exceptional philanthropic contributions to both the advertising industry and their communities,” stated Steve Pacheco, president and CEO of the American Advertising Federation. “On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame, I can’t think of a more distinguished Class of Honorees.”
Inductees shall be formally celebrated on the Advertising Hall of Fame Induction Gala on April 23, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Corporate Honoree: American Express
In addition to the person honorees, American Express was named the 2026 company Hall of Fame inductee, recognizing the model’s long-standing affect on advertising and marketing, model storytelling, and purpose-driven enterprise.
Founded greater than 175 years in the past, American Express has constructed a legacy as one of many world’s most recognizable manufacturers, with advertising and marketing that has formed tradition throughout generations. The firm has additionally been well known for its help of small companies, together with its creation of Small Business Saturday.
“American Express has built a legacy as one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the world,” Pacheco stated. “Its marketing has shaped culture. The company is also a leader in purpose-driven work, and it has shown a deep commitment to supporting small businesses and helping local merchants.”