Dörte Spengler-Ahrens takes ADCE Presidency

ADCE said her presidency will focus on strengthening collaboration within the European creative community

The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) has appointed Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Chairwoman of Jung von Matt, as its new President, as the organisation prepares for a revised awards structure and seeks to expand participation across Europe's creative industry.

The appointment comes during the 35th anniversary year of the ADCE Awards and marks a leadership transition aimed at strengthening the organisation's role as a platform for creative excellence and representation across Europe.

Focus on growth and representation

Spengler-Ahrens brings decades of experience in advertising, creative leadership and agency development to the role. She has played a significant role in shaping Jung von Matt's growth and has been recognised as one of Germany's most awarded creative professionals.

Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Chairwoman, Jung von Matt: "My wish is that the ADCE will become the most renowned, recognized and relevant award in Europe. I will do everything in my power to achieve and maintain that status."

ADCE said her presidency will focus on strengthening collaboration within the European creative community while reinforcing the organisation's position as a benchmark for creative excellence across the continent.

Diversity remains a priority

Throughout her career, Spengler-Ahrens has advocated for diversity, equality and the advancement of women in leadership positions. She previously became the first female President of ADC Germany, where she promoted greater inclusion and representation within the organisation.

Dörte Spengler-Ahrens: "Women in creative leadership roles are still dramatically underrepresented in our industry. The ADCE is an exception. It meets a 50-50 quota without exception, and had its first female president as early as 2000. I have also been a strong supporter of women at ADC Germany, and would like to carry this forward at the European level."

ADCE said her leadership will support efforts to increase the visibility of women within the creative industries and encourage broader participation in leadership roles across the sector.

The One Club welcomes appointment

The appointment follows ADCE's integration into The One Club for Creativity in 2023. The organisation's leadership said Spengler-Ahrens brings extensive international experience through her involvement in major creative competitions and industry initiatives.

Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club for Creativity: "The One Club has a long, successful relationship with Dörte, as she has served on a number of juries for The One Show, global ADC Awards, and Next Creative Leaders competitions. Under her extraordinary creative leadership, Jung von Matt has also won numerous Pencils and Cubes in those shows. We welcome Dörte into this exciting new role at ADCE, and are confident the organization — and the industry — will benefit greatly from her vision, dedication, and innovative thinking."

Awards programme broadens eligibility

Alongside the leadership change, ADCE has introduced a revised eligibility system for its awards programme. Previously, only winners and shortlisted entries from member club competitions could enter the awards.

Under the updated structure, entries are now open to participants in competitions organised by ADCE's 25 member clubs, as well as selected competitions operated by non-member organisations across Europe.

The organisation said the changes are intended to create greater opportunities for independent creatives, emerging talent and participants from smaller markets while better reflecting the diversity of creative work produced across Europe today.

Career spans advertising and creative leadership

Spengler-Ahrens began her career as an art director after studying Visual Communication before moving into copywriting. She joined Jung von Matt and became the agency's first female creative director.

In 2000, she founded MARIA, described as Germany's first women-led agency, before returning to Jung von Matt in 2002 as a partner and co-founder of Jung von Matt/Spree in Berlin.

Over the following two decades, she helped establish several businesses within the Jung von Matt network and worked with brands including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Sixt, NIVEA, Zalando and BVG.

Her industry recognition includes Germany's Agency Person of the Year at the Horizont Awards in 2018, the Braveheart Award at the Best Agency Awards in 2023 and the LIA Legend Award in 2025. In 2024, she became Non-Executive Chairwoman of the Jung von Matt Group.

www.adceurope.org

www.oneclub.org

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