Callum Mackenzie honoured with the Campaign Brief Advertising Person of the Year award

In 2024 Callum Mackenzie’s personal success leading Rare and industry impact as WA Chair of the ACA makes him a worthy recipient of this year’s Advertising Person of the Year Award. This is the second time he has won this award, having first won in 2018.

In 2024, Callum Mackenzie had a huge impact – on both his agency and the Perth industry.

This year, he has led his business through its most significant evolution in two decades, setting new benchmarks for growth, innovation, and influence. But his leadership extends far beyond the agency walls. In the Perth industry, Mackenzie has been a unifying force, leading a desire to reshape the advertising landscape in Western Australia.

At a stage in his career when many might consider stepping back, Mackenzie has surged forward with more energy and commitment than ever. Under his leadership, Rare has had its most successful year yet – winning more new business than ever before and strengthening partnerships with existing clients.

Over 2024 Mackenzie invested heavily in his team, particularly in nurturing the next generation of account service professionals. At Rare he appointed an Operations Director to streamline workflow and financial reporting, collaborated with co-founder Brett Wheeler to establish an internal production department; worked with the Digital Director to reshape the agency’s entire approach, and spearheaded the recruitment of the agency’s Director of Strategy, Tim Woodsmith.

But perhaps Mackenzie’s most lasting legacy in 2024 lies in his industry leadership as the WA Chair of the Advertising Council of Australia, where he has brought competitors together in the spirit of collaboration and progress.

Carat’s Jim Groves said: “Cal Mackenzie embodies the qualities we most valueñintegrity, vision, collaboration and commitment to excellence. His contributions have not only enhanced the business he founded but have elevated our entire industry.”

Trilogy’s Nita Davey said: “Cal’s leadership in our industry is nothing short of exceptional. As WA Chair of the ACA and Director of Rare, he has not only connected agencies across Western Australia but has also fostered a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared success. His unwavering passion and deep commitment to the industry have made him the binding force among agency leaders, elevating AdLand to a professional community.”

Gavin Bain, APAC CEO of Verian (and a two-time winner of this award) said: “In his tenure as State Chair, I think Cal has already achieved more than anyone else who has held the role. His drive and enthusiasm, his amazing organisational skills, his willingness to lean into the national picture and put WA issues on the table has been great to watch.”

The finalist for this award were:
Dan Agostino, The Brand Agency and PADC Co-President
Nick Bayes, The Brand Agency
Meg Coffey, Coffey & Tea and State of Social
Jim Groves, CARAT
Nicole Lennox Gray, Wildlings
Amber Martin, Hypnosis
René Migliore, 303 MullenLowe

The Campaign Brief Advertising Person of the Year was first awarded in 1987. Bruce Shorter (FCB Shorter) was the very first recipient. The award is judged from industry nominated or self nominated submissions received and is based on personal success/impact in the WA Advertising and Media industry over the previous 12 months.

For full coverage of winners and the finalists in all categories get the printed edition of the 44 page Campaign Brief Awards magazine. Email Mina on perth@campaignbrief.com