Advertising's Biggest Night: Hall of Fame Celebrates 75 Years by Honoring Legends and Redefining Influence

NEW YORK, NY – April 24, 2026 – The grand hall of Cipriani Wall Street was filled with the luminaries of the advertising world last night to celebrate a milestone moment: the 75th Anniversary of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Advertising Hall of Fame. The sold-out gala, long considered the industry's most prestigious event, honored six new individual inductees, a corporate titan, and, in a groundbreaking move, two cultural icons whose careers have indelibly shaped the advertising landscape from the outside.

Beyond Madison Avenue: A New Class of Honorees

For three-quarters of a century, the Advertising Hall of Fame has served as the definitive record of excellence in the industry. This year, however, the AAF made history by presenting not one, but two President's Awards to public figures whose primary careers lie outside of advertising. Grammy, Tony, and Emmy-winning musician Barry Manilow and four-time Emmy-winning actress and activist Marlo Thomas were celebrated for their profound and lasting contributions.

Before he was a superstar, Barry Manilow was a force in advertising, composing and performing some of the most memorable jingles in history for brands like State Farm ("Like a good neighbor..."), Band-Aid ("I am stuck on Band-Aid brand..."), and McDonald's ("You deserve a break today"). His work demonstrated the powerful, emotional connection music could forge between a brand and its audience. Marlo Thomas was honored for her decades of advocacy as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Her involvement has been central to iconic campaigns that have raised over a billion dollars, proving the immense power of purpose-driven messaging.

"The Advertising Hall of Fame honors industry legends for their achievements, groundbreaking innovations and exceptional philanthropic contributions to both the advertising industry and their communities," commented Steve Pacheco, President and CEO of the AAF. He noted that the first-ever dual President's Awards made the "'Biggest Night in Advertising' even bigger, with a veritable 'who's who' of industry icons walking the red carpet and right into the Hall of Fame."

This expansion of recognition signifies a pivotal acknowledgment by the industry's foremost institution: influence is no longer confined to agency corridors. The most effective advertising is deeply woven into the fabric of culture, a reality shaped as much by artists and advocates as by creative directors.

The Mavericks of Modern Marketing

The 2026 class of inductees represents a roster of visionaries whose work has defined eras and pushed the boundaries of creativity and effectiveness. Each has left an indelible mark on global brands and the industry itself.

Susan Fowler Credle, Global Creative Advisor at Interpublic, was honored for a career defined by iconic creative work. She was a driving force behind the beloved M&M's characters and the game-changing Allstate "Mayhem" campaign. As Global CCO at FCB, her "Never Finished" philosophy spurred a creative renaissance, earning the network top honors at Cannes and the Clio Awards.

Esi Eggleston Bracey, former Global Chief Growth & Marketing Officer at Unilever, was celebrated as a transformative leader. She is credited with creating the multi-billion-dollar Febreze brand at Procter & Gamble and later diversifying the face of beauty at COVERGIRL with spokespeople like Queen Latifah and Ellen. At Unilever, she championed an AI-powered marketing evolution and was the executive founder of the CROWN Act, a movement to end race-based hair discrimination.

David Droga, Vice Chair of Accenture and founder of the legendary agency Droga5, was inducted as one of the most awarded creatives in history. His agency was named Agency of the Decade by both Ad Age and Adweek, a testament to a relentless pursuit of creative excellence that has reshaped client expectations.

Gordon Bowen, Founder of mcgarrybowen and Creative Chairman at Dentsu Creative, is the mind behind some of advertising's most enduring phrases, including American Express's "Membership Has Its Privileges." His focus on a values-led, ego-free agency model created a new paradigm for success on Madison Avenue.

Jim Stengel, former Global Marketing Officer at P&G, was recognized for his pioneering work in purpose-driven branding. He challenged one of the world's largest advertisers to anchor its brands in ideals, a philosophy that has since become a cornerstone of modern marketing strategy.

Tim Ellis, Chief Marketing Officer of the NFL, was honored for his leadership in steering the marketing efforts of one of the world's most powerful brands, navigating the complexities of fan engagement, digital transformation, and cultural relevance on a global scale.

The Power of Purposeful Backing

This year's corporate honoree, American Express, was recognized for its long-standing commitment to customer-centricity and community support, exemplified by the work of its leadership, including Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Jen Skyler and Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Rutledge.

Under Rutledge's leadership, the company launched its "Powerful Backing" brand platform, reinforcing its commitment to its members. Skyler has guided the company's first ESG strategy and spearheaded initiatives like the Coalition to Back Black Businesses, which awarded $10 million to support Black-owned small enterprises. This corporate honor underscores the increasing importance of brands moving beyond transactional relationships to become genuine partners in their customers' and communities' success.

An Enduring Legacy, A Vital Mission

The Advertising Hall of Fame, produced by the AAF since 1949, does more than just honor the past; it funds the future. The gala is the AAF's largest fundraiser, providing the vital capital for its year-round initiatives dedicated to education, professional development, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots advocacy.

Programs like the Most Promising Students Program, HBCUs for Advertising, and the National Student Advertising Competition all rely on the support generated by this single evening. By celebrating its most accomplished leaders, the advertising industry ensures it is also investing in its next generation. The 75th anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder that while campaigns and technologies change, the core tenets of creativity, integrity, and a commitment to moving the world forward remain the industry's most enduring and valuable assets.