UK
LIA Honors Creative Leader Dörte Spengler-Ahrens with the Prestigious LIA Legend Award: In a ceremony filled with admiration and inspiration, Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Non-Executive Chairwoman of Jung von Matt Group Germany, was honored with the prestigious LIA Legend Award at the 2025 London International Awards (LIA) in Las Vegas. With Creative LIAisons attendees, jurors, and industry heavyweights present, the moment marked a celebration of not just creative brilliance but also mentorship, courage, and leadership.
Introduced in 2023, the LIA Legend Award recognizes creative titans who selflessly mentor, empower, and raise the creative standards for the next generation — the legends whose shoulders others stand on. The two previous recipients of this honor were Mark Tutssel (2023) and Piyush Pandey (2024), both celebrated figures in global advertising.
A Career of Firsts
Dörte Spengler-Ahrens has built a career defined by pioneering achievements. She founded MARIA, Germany’s first women’s agency; became the first female President of the Art Directors Club Germany (ADC); and shaped the global creative landscape through award-winning campaigns for major brands including BMW, Audi, Nivea, and Zalando. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless champion of diversity, women’s empowerment, and young creative talent.
Under her leadership, Jung von Matt became synonymous with creative excellence, earning multiple international accolades including Independent Agency of the Year at Cannes, LIA, and the New York Festival.
Honoring a Legend
Presenting the award, Barbara Levy, President & Founder of LIA, paid a heartfelt tribute to Dörte’s enduring influence on the global creative industry.
“For the past two years, I have stood on this stage to present one of the most important accolades of this show – the LIA Legend Award,” Levy began. “Throughout history, there have been great creative people who stood out by changing the status quo. They faced challenges and came out stronger.”
She continued by reflecting on what truly defines a legend — passion, creativity, courage, imagination, leadership, and selfless giving — all of which Dörte embodies.
“She has not just broken the glass ceiling,” Levy said, “she has made creative standards go through the roof. She is a champion of brave new ideas and of young people like yourselves — a woman who is as committed as she is passionate.”
Barbara Levy shared personal anecdotes about her decades-long friendship with Dörte, recalling how Las Vegas — the city where the ceremony took place — held a special place in Dörte’s heart, as it was where she got married and renewed her vows ten years later.
“It is such a great joy for me to present this award here in Las Vegas,” Levy added. “I am proud and honored to give this award to a creative leader who has impacted the industry not just in Germany but around the world.”
She concluded by quoting Ilon Specht, the woman behind the iconic L’Oréal line “Because you’re worth it,” saying:
“Dörte, I am proud to give you this award — because you are worth it.”
A Legacy of Creativity and Courage
With this honor, Dörte joins a distinguished circle of creative legends — including Piyush Pandey, whose work redefined Indian advertising. Pandey, often called the big daddy of Indian advertising, was celebrated in 2024 as a storyteller who used simplicity and humanity to connect with millions.
Dörte’s recognition this year cements her place as one of the most influential figures in global advertising. Her journey — from founding a pioneering women’s agency to leading one of Germany’s most respected creative institutions — continues to inspire professionals worldwide.
The LIA Legend Award 2025 not only celebrates her body of work but also honors her enduring commitment to mentorship, empowerment, and creative transformation — proving once again that true legends don’t just make history; they shape the future.
