Kitcatt Nohr art director wins DMA Young Spark award

by Noelle McElhatton, marketingdirectmag.co.uk 17-Nov-09, 11:54

LONDON - Roxanne Messenger, a creative art director at Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw, has been named DMA Young Spark 2009 in one of the most hotly contested awards since the awards' inception in 2005.

Messenger was crowned at the annual DMA Scottish Ball.

"Roxanne stood out from the other candidates by demonstrating that she has a natural talent and real flair for direct marketing," said Chris Sherlock, a member of the judging panel, and marketing director for the award's sponsor Equifax.

"It's refreshing to see so much enthusiasm and entrepreneurial vision from such a young marketer."

Messenger beat co-finalists Renee Heath of WmpS and Sophie Slowe of Targetbase Claydon Heeley to claim the title and the £1,000 prize money.

All three finalists went through to the second round, for which they pitched in front of a panel of judges, including Chris Arnold of Creative Orchestra and Gary Smith, partner at Hush.

As well as taking on the title of ‘Young Spark', the winner also benefits from the help of a top industry mentor who will provide invaluable advice and support for the entire year.

"Getting the award has given me a real boost and I now feel like anything is possible in my future career," Messenger said.

Entries for the 2009 Young Spark were up 64 per cent on last year, the organisers said.

Young Spark was launched in Scotland in 2005 in memory of John Young, former WWAV Rapp Collins Edinburgh managing director, who died at the age of just 38.