Match & Woods Jodie Allen and Ryan Hancock claim victory in Cannes Young Lions competition

Yesterday, saw Jodie Allen, Communications Director Perth, and Ryan Hancock National Planning Director win the prestigious Cannes Young Lions Media Competition. Allen has been with Match & Wood for 3 years and Hancock is a foundational member joining the business 6 years ago.

The Cannes Young Lions competition, organised by B&T and sponsored by Tik Tok, is renowned for identifying and celebrating emerging talent in the advertising and communications industry. This year, the competition attracted top young professionals eager to showcase their creativity and strategic thinking.

Allen, with her strong background in client and team management and a keen eye for innovation, teamed up with Hancock, a strategic thinker with a passion for integrated planning, to tackle the 24 hour challenge posed by the competition. Their collaborative efforts and innovative approach set them apart, earning them the coveted title of Media Young Lions. The pair were previously awarded Silver in 2022.

Allen and Hancock will now be representing Australia on the global stage at the famed Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, in France this June. This platform will provide them with a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain international exposure, and further elevate their careers.

Allen said: “Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe the moment we heard the announcement. It felt like a whirlwind – we won, and it was wild. I’m incredibly grateful to have a partner like Ryan; we were on fire together! I’m also incredibly grateful to Match & Wood for the opportunity to learn what great media craft looks like and to be the practitioners we are today. And a huge thanks to everyone who kept things moving at M&W while we’ve been away. We have an amazing team. The competition was tough, with really impressive responses, but we gave it our all.”

CEO Lyndelle O’Keefe, herself a previous recipient of the award, expressed her pride in Jodie and Ryan’s achievement. “This competition is one of the most incredible opportunities that our industry offers, and I couldn’t be prouder of Jodie and Ryan for their achievement. To earn a Silver, then Gold this year, showcases their dedication, consistency, and teamwork, values that we hold dear at Match & Wood. Congratulations to them both on this well-deserved recognition!”

Click here to see all the Young Lions winners, including ex-VML Perth’s Jordan Ellis, who with Madelene McGuinness took out the Film category.