Venya Wijegoonewardene

Venya is a values-driven strategic leader with over 16 years' experience transforming brands through award-winning, data-led strategies. As CSO at Spark Foundry, she works across the agency's biggest clients, passionate about partnering on strategic transformation. With experience working with fast-paced clients, she's driven transformative results for blue-chip brands like O2, Estee Lauder, Diageo and Mars. She has won 4 IPA Effectiveness Awards including Gold for Guinness and was named Campaign's 'Face to Watch' Awards in 2019. She's judged the IPA Effectiveness in 2024 and has been a regular judge for Campaign Media Awards and Campaign Tech Awards. Venya is passionate about work that drives real business value at the cutting edge where media, technology and creativity converge. A true media geek who believes in brands as a positive force, equally excited by spreadsheets and sharp creative thinking.

What are you looking for in a winning entry?

"Media is an industry in constant flux, and the next generation of leaders needs to meet that change with optimism and purpose. I want to see candidates who genuinely believe our industry has a role to play in making the world more inclusive and equitable, and who can back that up with real examples. I would love to see how you've navigated uncertainty with a solutions-focused mindset, how you've turned setbacks into learning, and how you're already thinking about the people who will come after you."