Inductees into the Class of 2025 AAF Advertising Hall of Fame (Photo credit: Akintayo Adewole for DRKR PXLS)
Over 1,000 advertising professionals, clients, and industry stakeholders gathered at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City to witness a celebration decades in the making. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) inducted eight individual trailblazers and one standout corporation into the 2025 AAF Advertising Hall of Fame, marking what the industry calls its biggest night of the year.
A Salute to Icons Who Reshaped the Industry
The Class of 2025 represents a mix of strategic visionaries, creative powerhouses, and brand leaders. Each has left an unmistakable imprint on the way modern advertising operates.
Among those honored:
Rishad Tobaccowala, known for his leadership as chief strategist and growth officer at Publicis Groupe, earned acclaim for pushing the agency world into the digital age while keeping humanity at the center of marketing.
Linda Boff, former global chief marketing officer at General Electric and now CEO of Said Differently, brought transformative storytelling and digital-first thinking to legacy industries.
Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of The Ad Council, was recognized for her leadership in public service advertising, especially during times of national crisis.
Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard’s top marketing and communications executive, was honored for his role in turning multisensory branding and experiential campaigns into global benchmarks.
Alex López Negrete, who co-founded Lopez Negrete Communications, built one of the most respected Hispanic-owned agencies in the country by connecting brands with multicultural audiences.
David Lubars, former chief creative officer at BBDO Worldwide and Chairman of BBDO North America, was celebrated for shaping a new era of brand storytelling.
John Hayes, the longtime chief marketing officer at American Express, played a critical role in positioning the brand as a trusted global icon.
Dennis Troper, representing the late Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO, accepted her posthumous induction. Wojcicki was also honored with the prestigious David Bell Award, recognizing her industry service and legacy at the forefront of digital advertising.
Mars Incorporated Recognized as Corporate Honoree
Gülen Bengi accepted the award on behalf of Mars, Incorporated, the sole corporate inductee this year. With leadership across CPG marketing and brand development, Mars was applauded for its consistent reinvestment in brand equity, purpose-led campaigns, and cross-channel innovation.
Advertising Hall of Fame: A Tradition of Recognition
Since its founding in 1949, the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame has been more than a ceremonial event. It directly supports year-round efforts focused on education, grassroots policy advocacy, professional growth, and diversity within the industry. The Hall of Fame remains a touchstone for excellence—celebrating not only ad professionals but also the values they carry forward into their communities.
Reflections from the Industry
“Celebrating the induction into the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame is the ‘Biggest Night in Advertising,'” said AAF President and CEO Steve Pacheco. “It’s a visible reminder of the impact our industry has—and the people behind that impact.”
Photographer Akintayo Adewole captured the moment, showcasing a group portrait that tells a story of vision, perseverance, and lasting contributions.
The Bigger Picture
This year’s inductees represent more than professional milestones. They reflect the growing influence of creativity backed by data, of brands with a voice, and of marketers who move entire cultures forward. As advertising changes, the bar set by these honorees remains high—anchored in leadership, innovation, and integrity.
By spotlighting these achievements, the AAF continues its commitment to upholding advertising not as a commodity, but as a force for business, art, and social impact.