Ethical, transparent and respected, the awards are judged by esteemed industry experts who follow a robust two-step judging process that includes pre-scoring to establish a shortlist and judge discussion to determine winners and in some cases silver awards.
None of our award judges can take part in the competition and any conflicts of interest must be declared.
The Content & PR European Awards have been accredited ‘Outstanding’ by the Independent Awards Standards Council – Awards Trust Mark.
To apply to become a judge, fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Our Judges
Andrea Sabatino | Global Head of content, events, sponsorships | PETRONAS LUBRICANTS INTERNATIONAL
Andrea Sabatino is a brand marketing and communication executive with a 25 years of experience in global PR and communication programs management in different businesses: beverage, beer, sportswear and apparel, electronics goods, oil&gas. He is currently head of global events, content and sponsorships at PETRONAS Lubricants International.He began working in communications and events in 1997 for the FMA field marketing group.In 1999 he joined Red Bull Italy as Sports Events and Sponsorships Manager, before moving on to adidas Italy as Head of Advertising and LG Electronics Italy as Corporate Marketing Manager Since 2011 he has held international roles, first at The Coca-Cola Company as brand PR manager central and southern Europe and then at Carlsberg as senior group brand PR manager. Before joining PETRONAS Lubricants International, he worked at the Monza circuit as commercial, marketing and communications director.
Andy Green | Co-Founder | AndyGreenCreativity
Andy Green FCIPR FRSA is cofounder of the Dublin Conversations, the Modern Cockney Festival, and wrote 21years ago, the very first book on ‘Creativity in Public Relations’. He is a consultant in identifying purpose, brand storytelling, creativity, and managing Fake Purpose to enable his clients to fulfil their greater potential and make the most of opportunities. He is also a part-time university lecturer. Andy has written six books, translated into eight languages and believing inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of sources, even runs creativity classes on the London Tube.
Brendan Keegan | Assistant Professor in Marketing | Maynooth University
Brendan Keegan is an Assistant Professor in marketing at Maynooth University. Interested in digital placemaking, digital and social media analytics and agency-client relation- ships, his research is published in various journals including European Journal of Marketing, European Management Review, and Management Decision. Brendan is also part of the GOGREENROUTES Horizon 2020 project investigating the role of digital placemaking and its relationship with the psychology of wellbeing through interconnected green corridors in public spaces.
Dee Goldstraw | Senior Lecturer | Manchester Metropolitan University
A senior lecturer in marketing and digital communications at Manchester Metropolitan University, Dee specialist area is content marketing, where she teaches across a number of content strategy units. Reading for her PhD has taken her research into the area of exploring online influencers, in particular on Instagram, and their impact on women. A PR professional for more than 15 years, Dee has worked in a mixture of PR, digital marketing and events agencies across the north of the UK as well as working freelance.
Emily Hill | PR & Content Specialist | Mortgage Advice Bureau
With a degree in English Literature from the University of Leeds and a Masters in Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University, I’ve built my career in journalism, PR, and communications over the last eight years across both B2B and B2C. I'm currently working as PR & Content Specialist for Mortgage Advice Bureau, the UK’s leading mortgage intermediary brand. No matter the platform and audience, I'm passionate about conveying a brand's key messaging through thought-provoking and innovative content. I have a proven track record of developing and executing high-impact PR campaigns that drive engagement and significantly build brand awareness.
Jade Lambourne | Social Media Lead | The Very Group
Jade Lambourne is a social media expert with over a decade of experience in the industry, working with some of the UK’s biggest retailers, including ASOS and The Very Group. Specialising in strategy and content creation within the fashion and beauty space, Jade has led campaigns and produced content for globally recognised brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Adidas, and Disney. With a deep understanding of audience engagement and digital storytelling, Jade continues to shape the social media landscape, making them a valued judge for this year’s Social Media Awards.
Jaime Hill | Former Head of Ecommerce | ex Oak Furnitureland, Hurtigruten & Monsoon Accessorize
Jaime has over two decades of experience as a Marketing & Ecommerce professional with a successful track record leading teams and developing strategy to transform organisations’ digital capability and channels to market. She has had success in roles at brands including Avis, Barclays, Dairy Crest and Oak Furnitureland, and across a wide range of B2B and B2C vertical markets. Most recently, Jaime was Interim Head of Ecommerce & Trading at Monsoon. A graduate of the Institute of Digital Marketing and qualified Executive Business Coach, Jaime's professional passion is for making life easier for the customer at every touch point.
Jon Shaw | Head of PR And Communications, Europe | HONOR
Over 20 years of experience in marketing communications for consumer and b2b brands spanning multiple sectors including Tech, FMCG, Professional Services and Sports – driving results for some of the world’s biggest brands. A strategic, award-winning, marketing communications leader with a proven track record of helping to grow organisations through bold and creative multi-channel product and brand campaigns. Equally comfortable working strategically or rolling up my sleeves and leading from the front line.
Josephine Soei | Head of Marketing & Communications | DEICHMANN
As Head of Marketing & Communications at Deichmann UK, part of Europe’s largest footwear retailer, Josephine is dedicated to driving market share and enhancing the brand profile in the UK. Leading a dynamic team, she focuses on creating impactful, integrated marketing campaigns that resonate with the audience. Through authentic storytelling and strategic partnerships with brand ambassadors and influencers, she is positioning Deichmann as the go-to destination for family footwear. She was recognised by the British Footwear Association as one of the Top 50 in the footwear industry in 2024.
Kamila Miller | PHD Reseacher | Henley Business School
With a unique blend of academic and professional expertise, I am passionate about bridging the gap between business and academia to drive innovation and growth in the digital marketing landscape. I am committed to shaping the future of marketing by integrating cutting-edge academic research with practical, real-world applications. As a lecturer at Henley Business School and Oxford Brookes University, I engage students with industry-relevant insights while fostering collaborations with business professionals. Additionally, I mentor students, helping them prepare to tackle real-world marketing challenges with confidence. I am also a Chartered Marketer and Communications Ambassador for The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world's leading professional marketing body. In this role, I contribute to the marketing community by organising and delivering events, training, qualifications, and mentoring for marketers across the Greater London Region.
Kelly Friend | PR Manager - UK & US | WithSecure
Kelly is the UK & US PR Manager for cyber security company WithSecure. With almost 15 years in the industry, Kelly has led technology PR campaigns across industries including healthcare, aviation, subsea oil and gas, and maritime defence. You can find Kelly on Twitter @KellyFriendPR and on LinkedIn.
Lukasz Rogala | Head of SEO & Strategy | VerticalSEO
During my 13-year adventure in SEO, I implemented SEO strategies and projects for the largest brands in Poland and Europe. Among them there are such giants as Wykop, Warner Bros. Discovery, Vision Express, Kazar, WP, Homebook, NaTemat, STS, Betfan, Nestle, USP Zdrowie, Omnisend and NordVPN.
Lukasz Zelezny | SEO Consultant |
Lukasz Zelezny, UK Search Awards judge, Top10 UK Social Media influencer and former director of organic performance at uSwitch / Zoopla. Currently is working as an independent SEO Consultant helping in organic traffic acquisition, technical SEO and content marketing. Lukasz started his career in 2005 and has since been responsible for the organic performance of a number of companies including HomeAway, Thomson Reuters, The Digital Property Group, Fleetway Travel, uSwitch, Zoopla. Each year Lukasz is speaking at many SEO and social media conferences. He was a speaker at ClickZ Shanghai China, ClickZ Jakarta Indonesia, SiMGA Malta, SES London as well as Marketing Festival in Brno, Brighton SEO in Brighton and UnGagged in London. Every year he is actively participating in 10 to 20 events as an SEO/Social Media keynote speaker. Additionally, he organizes workshops and meetups where he is sharing tips around SEO, Social Media and Analytics.
Michelle Gledhill | EMPLOYABILITY LEAD DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING, RETAIL & TOURISM | Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Michelle Gledhill is a specialist in in advertising, branding and media. My former position (2010 to 2022) as Programme Leader for MSc Creative Advertising Strategy combined my expertise in strategic thinking when working on live briefs with brands such as Manchester City, the Happy Linen Company and Rockstar Spirits, with my passion for developing and nurturing student talent in the Manchester and across the UK. This has led to a new role where I am the Marketing Retail and Tourism Employability Lead. She will be working with agencies and businesses to enhance the career prospects of MRT students. Her fascination for branding led her to complete a unique doctoral thesis on how brands are processed whilst playing videogames. She is a highly experienced marketer, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), CIM Senior Examiner and HE Examiner.
Paul Aitkenhead | Head of Brand, PR and Comms | Gamma
MCIPR | MCMI Changing perceptions with authenticity, transparency and trust. B2B & B2C Communications, Marketing, Brand and Content professional.
Phil Bacon | Marketing Director, Strategist, and Consultant | Marketing Managed
I'm a marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience spanning in-house roles, agency collaborations, and consultancy. My career has taken me across diverse sectors, including education, food, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, where I’ve been involved in almost every aspect and channel in marketing, whether that has been hands-on or managing multiple agency and freelance relationships. Before founding Bacon Marketing in 2020, now Marketing Managed, I've worked in senior marketing roles for various companies, both in-house and agency-side. These roles allowed me to hone my skills in campaign execution, lead generation, and strategic planning. Over the years, I’ve led high-stakes marketing initiatives, including complex multi-product and brand launches, digital marketing transformations, and multi-channel campaigns that have consistently delivered results.
Rachael Courtney | Head of Social & Content | Virgin Media O2
Rachael started out in PR & Events and now has over 17 years’ experience running social media for big brands. Previous roles have included heading up social at Cineworld and Three, where she was responsible for a number of award-winning social campaigns. Rachael now heads up Social & Content at Virgin Media O2 leading the team to deliver on Strategy & Creative that meets brand and business objectives.
Rebecca is a freelance marketer, communications manager, and charity trustee. In the decade since she started out managing events and organic social channels, Rebecca's business has helped start-ups, charities, government, and established businesses reach new heights with content. Rebecca champions inclusivity and environmental stewardship both in her paid work and her voluntary non-executive director and trustee roles.
Rejoice Oijaku | SEO Manager | Nelson Bostock UNLIMITED
Rejoice Ojiaku is an SEO Specialist & Content Strategist, as well as the Co-Founder of B-DigitalUK – a platform for showcasing and empowering black talent in the UK digital marketing scene. Her expertise lies in SEO, Diversity and inclusion, all bolstered by strong personal branding both online and offline.
Sabina Sohail | Social Media and Content Designer | The RSA
Sabina has worked in digital media for 10 years. She's currently at the RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) in the marketing team, leading their social media and content strategy. Her background is in journalism and she has held both editorial and social media roles for notable design magazines including Dezeen in London and House & Home Magazine in Toronto. She also worked for Canadian book retailer, Indigo, where she assisted on various brand campaigns, community management and content creation.
Sanjay Mistry | Group Head of Communications and Engagement, Europe | ODEON
Sanjay is a strategic communications leader, non-executive director and Diversity Champion with over 15 years' experience. His main area of expertise is communications and public affairs working for some of the world's biggest brands and advising C-Suite executives. Sanjay has built, led & turned around communications functions, he has been responsible for global campaigns and resolving large-scale international crisis and reputation issues. Sanjay has a passion for diversity & inclusion and this theme has run through the course of his career seeing him mentor others and create forums promote diversity and inclusion.
Sarah Cook | Marketing & Communications | The RSA
Sarah has worked in communications for nearly 20 years, both in-house and for agencies: currently she's at the RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) in the marketing team. Most recently, she's been responsible for brand campaigns and content in the Group brand team at Legal & General. Before this, she worked at an international law firm, leading their social media strategy and started her career as a communications consultant, working at PR agencies in London.
Sofia Inga Tyson | Senior Content Manager | Juro
I'm currently the Senior Content Manager at Juro, a SaaS company that empowers modern businesses to agree and manage contracts faster, powering 2m+ contracts for businesses like Trustpilot, Deliveroo, Remote, TheRealReal, and QuantumScape. I'm responsible for creating and executing our organic search strategy, which consistently drives revenue for the business. You'll also find me working on other content marketing formats, like case studies, sales enablement content, and content distribution opportunities.
Stephen Kenwright | Non-executive director and consultant |
Stephen is a consultant, non-executive director and new business trainer, helping marketing agency founders and teams to grow by becoming more commercial and more strategic. He founded SEARCH-FIRST creative agency Rise at Seven in 2019, growing annual revenues to more than £7m; hiring 110 staff; opening offices in Sheffield, Manchester, London and New York; and winning more than 70 industry awards - about one every two weeks - before exiting after three years. Stephen held board positions at digital marketing agency Branded3, which he helped to merge into consultancy Kin + Carta PLC after its initial acquisition; and content agency Ride Shotgun. He was also Head of Digital at £4.7bn turnover automotive retailer Pendragon PLC and worked as a consultant to Missguided.
Steve Kuncewicz | Partner and Head Of Creative, Digital & Marketing | BLM
Steve is a Partner and Head of Creative, Digital and Marketing at Glaisyers ETL in Manchester. He specialises in intellectual property, media social media and privacy law and is listed as a "recommended lawyer" in the Legal 500, and was a oo-founder pf the Bulletproof Agency Network. He is a regular media spokesperson, and has given interviews to the local and national press through BBC Breakfast, Sky News, ITV, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC London. Steve is also the Manchester Publicity Association’s Honorary Solicitor.
Tori Halman | Senior PR & Communications Manager | ZOE
Tori Halman is the Senior PR & Communications Manager at ZOE and UK Communications Lead. With a wealth of experience spanning consumer and corporate sectors including healthcare, technology, travel, and luxury, Tori brings a strategic and storytelling-led approach to building brand reputation and driving engagement. Thanks to her journalism background , she’s passionate about shaping narratives that resonate, challenge perceptions, and drive meaningful change.
Veronika Höller | Head of Demand Generation | Tresorit
Veronika is a Global SEO Lead and has worked in SEO and PPC marketing for over 14 years. She started as a copywriter and PPC Manager in a little Ads Agency. She has continuously developed herself further into the direction of SEO. Over the years, she has worked as a digital marketing manager in agencies and international companies, including CompuGroup where she is now. International SEO and PPC Strategies are Top of her priority list. She views SEO as a whole puzzle and not just individual sub-areas, hence why she trained herself in all areas – content, technology, PPC, SMM and UX. Today she spreads her knowledge as a speaker on the stages of international digital marketing conferences such as BrightonSEO, SMX advanced, International Search Summit etc. For her all digital marketing channels have to be united to get the best of your website.
Victoria Watson | PR Consultant - Specialist in Hospitality, Lifestyle & Wellness |
Victoria Jane Watson is a seasoned PR consultant specialising in hospitality, lifestyle, and wellness. With over a decade of experience in media relations, brand partnerships, and influencer engagement, she offers strategic PR and communications services tailored to unique properties, experiences, and entrepreneurs in the travel and wellness sectors. Victoria is based between London and Malaga.
“We are honestly over the moon to win the UK Digital PR award for ‘Best Use of TikTok’. It means the world to our team, as it acknowledges our strategic expertise in harnessing the power of TikTok to create engaging, viral content that captivates audiences and drives meaningful brand impact. It’s a real testament to the incredible talented tribe we have."Sheridan Okey Head of Digital PR
"Winning the European Content Awards 2024 confirms that well-thought-out and successively implemented activities bring impressive results, and that our work is at a very high level. Such results are the driving fuel for us for further activities. And success definitely tastes good to us!"Andrzej Cudny Cube
“Our nomination is a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication, and creativity. It validates our efforts in pushing the boundaries of content marketing and sets a new benchmark for excellence. This campaign was a labour of love, merging McDonald’s rich history with a modern twist. Being recognised on such a prestigious platform is incredibly rewarding”Gergely Niedermeyer TRUSTED IMPLEMENTATION
