Pitcher Festival Announces Distinguished Jury Presidents for Pitcher Awards 2025
- Jan 16, 2025
- 3 min read
The Pitcher Festival is proud to present the distinguished Jury Presidents for the Pitcher Awards 2025, a celebration of the finest creative talent across the African continent. This year's jury presidents bring decades of expertise, innovation, and passion in their respective fields.
Entertainment Jury President: Obi Asika
Obi Asika, the Director General/CEO of the National Council for Arts & Culture, Nigeria, takes the helm as President of the Entertainment Jury. With over 30 years of experience as a key driver and leader of Nigeria's creative industries, Obi is recognized by millions across Africa as a Judge on the popular Nigerian Idol TV show. He has built Storm 360/Storm Records into a successful entertainment brand and co-founded Social Media Week Lagos. Obi's impact on Nigeria's creative and cultural space through cross-sector collaborations and numerous government positions has been vast and transformative.
Craft Jury President: Mike Miller
Leading the Craft Jury is Mike Miller, the Executive Creative Director of X3M Ideas, Lagos, Nigeria. With over 30 years experience of putting ideas in front of people, from big brand campaigns to hard-hitting retail promotions, Mike has earned international acclaim. "I am delighted to be the President of the Craft Jury and look forward to seeing the excellence that's been put into the details in all aspects of craft. Thanks for the opportunity to celebrate the best of our industry across the continent," Mike shared.
Digital Jury President: Yash Deb
For the Digital Jury, Yash Deb, Co-Founder & Creative Partner of The Bar Africa, Kenya, steps up as President. With experience across 12 countries and 4 continents, Yash has earned a reputation for his creative leadership and innovative spirit. His deep understanding of digital landscapes and a knack for bringing great ideas to life make him a perfect fit to lead this category.
Good & Effectiveness Jury President: Dawn Rowlands
Dawn Rowlands, CEO of Dentsu Africa, will preside over the Good & Effectiveness Jury. Recognized as Business Woman of the Year, serial entrepreneur, and wine lover, Dawn is passionate about innovating to impact society. "Look forward to awarding work that innovates to impact society, brands, and the planet," she said.
Culture Jury President: Nthabiseng Lekoaletsoe
Nthabiseng Lekoaletsoe, an advertising consultant at Ogilvy South Africa, returns as the Culture Jury President after an outstanding performance in 2024. She is passionate about building brands and pushing boundaries. "We'll be looking for creative work that embodies cultural marketing, deeply connects with consumers, and showcases our distinct yet diverse African creativity, pushing boundaries and creating social impact," Nthabiseng said.
Channel Jury President: Dozie Okafor
Dozie Okafor, MD/CEO of PHD Nigeria and President of the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), will lead the Channel Jury. Dozie's illustrious career began at OMD Nigeria in 2007, working across numerous brands, including Vodafone, Guinness, and Coca-Cola Nigeria. His leadership and strategic vision have seen him oversee PHD offices across Francophone West Africa.
Heritage Jury President: Karim Yermeche
Karim Yermeche, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Conseil in Hydra, Algeria, will preside over the Heritage Jury. Co-founding Lotus Conseil at 22, Karim has built the agency into Algeria's top independent ad agency. Renowned for his expertise, creativity, and passion for communications, Karim regularly lectures at business schools, inspiring the next generation of Algerian marketers and creatives. His inclusive framework at Lotus Conseil promotes openness and diversity, bridging marketing and art through initiatives like Art@Work.
Dr. Nnamdi Ndu, Chairman of the Pitcher Festival, expressed his excitement for this year's awards, saying, "Pitcher Festival is set to once again showcase and celebrate ideas that will hopefully surpass those of the past. We’re delighted to be working with some of the best talents on the continent, which reassures us that we will definitely exceed expectations."
Stay tuned for more updates as we draw closer to the Pitcher Awards 2025, where the best of African creativity will be celebrated!