UK Young Lions Winners: Media

Our UK Young Lions competition this year was based around our diversity and inclusion initiative. We want UK advertising to be the creative industries’ most progressive sector in recruiting, retaining and developing the most inclusive workforce. Our Young Lions in this category were asked to build a media plan to build awareness and to help the Advertising Association bring the initiative to life. You can see the full competition brief here.

Ben Lynch and Sam Karjalainen of OMD EMEA took the prize for Print with their Bias Bot which is to help get rid of the unconscious biased language in recruitment.  The judges loved this entry and the way it tackles such a large and important problem. View their work here.

Ben Lynch, Data & Technology Director, OMD EMEA

I moved to the UK one year ago from Sydney where I was Planning Director PHD leading PepsiCo’s planning. Bringing a he passion for strategy & inventive solutions, today I’m the Data & Technology Director across PepsiCo at OMD EMEA, helping combine great media thinking & inventive product solutions

Sam Karjalainen, Senior Manager, OMD EMEA

I am originally from Sydney, currently working in a digital role as a Senior Manager on one of the largest global brands (PepsiCo) at OMD EMEA. I have hands on experience planning and buying across all channels, and a passion for data, insights and analytics.

What does it mean to you to be representing the UK at Cannes Lions 2021?

After a few late nights, double digit coffees over an intensive weekend, we are thrilled to have our hard work recognised and take the top prize in the Young Lions competition. Having both entered the competition multiple times before, we are excited to represent the UK at Cannes.

This year, the runners up for the Media competition were Caitlin Pinner and Oli Flower. View their work here.

Caitlin Pinner, Strategy Manager, UM Worldwide

Caitlin is a strategist at UM Worldwide. During her time at UM, Caitlin has delivered multi-market strategies for Spotify, Coca Cola and Mattel.

Oli Flower, Strategist, UM Worldwide

Oli is a strategist at UM Worldwide. Over the last 6 years, he’s worked with a range of different brands – from European music festivals, to house hold names such as Amazon, Carlsberg, and Coca Cola.

How was your experience in taking part in the UK Young Lions Media Competition?

We’ve been entering Young Lions as a pair for the last few years. Each year, we regret entering at about 11pm on the Friday night but always agree it’s worth it by the end. It’s a challenge we always look forward to, so we’re incredibly proud to have come second in the category. We’ll definitely be back for more…

This year the judges also highly commended Lucas Wesney and Jack Bellamy on their Media entry.

Lucas Wesney, Strategist, Initiative

Originally from Canberra, he has moved all over the world in pursuit of his dream of winning Young Lions.

Although still in pursuit of his goal, Lucas did meet Jack after the final stages of Young Lions back in 2014…Jack has followed him everywhere ever since.

Jack Bellamy, Strategy Director, Initiative UK

Jack is a strategist originally hailing from Sydney. He fist met Lucas 6 years ago at the pub after the final stage of Young Lions Australia, when Lucas not-so-shockingly didn’t pay for his round of beers. We’ve been mates every since.