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Celebrating the Induction of the 2026 AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) has officially unveiled the eight remarkable inductees for its 2026 Advertising Hall of Achievement (AHOA). This prestigious recognition is dedicated to exceptional leaders in the advertising sector aged 40 and younger, who are shaping the future of marketing, media, and brand strategies. The AHOA, revered as an esteemed honor within the industry, aims to highlight the substantial contributions made by rising stars and their influence on contemporary advertising practices.

A Tradition of Excellence

Established over 30 years ago, the AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement continues to honor outstanding young leaders who exhibit exceptional skill, creativity, and a commitment to innovation. The selection process involves meticulous evaluation by a distinguished Council of Judges, comprised of AHOA alumni and senior executives from prominent agencies and brands. This year's inductees will be formally honored at an induction ceremony scheduled for November 19, 2026, at Pier Sixty in New York City.

Meet the 2026 Inductees

Among the new inductees are a diverse group of individuals representing various industries and organizations, each bringing a unique vision to the advertising landscape:

1. Andrew Almendras

Position: Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Planning, IMAX

Andrew has been a catalyst for transformative change throughout his decade-long tenure at IMAX. With a recent achievement of a record-breaking $1.2 billion at the global box office, Andrew has led initiatives such as IMAX's partnership with Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters, emphasizing his commitment to social responsibility and community service.

2. Catherine Berger

Position: Vice President, Marketing Transformation Services, Grupo Bimbo

Catherine is known for her remarkable ability to foresee potential opportunities and drive marketing transformations successfully. Her leadership at Grupo Bimbo is instrumental as she reinvents their $10 billion U.S. portfolio, and she is deeply engaged in community building and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

3. Justin Breton

Position: Head of Digital & Emerging Experiences, Walmart

Justin redefines brand interaction in the retail space by leveraging technology to create immersive experiences. His innovative strategies have positioned Walmart as a leader in connecting with digitally native consumers.

4. Jen Hourigan

Position: President, T-Mobile Client Leadership, Initiative

Under Jen's guidance, T-Mobile has experienced unprecedented growth in client relationships and team morale. Her empowerment initiatives, including the Empowered People Act, promote inclusivity and mentorship for young women.

5. Jessica Padula

Position: Vice President, Marketing Sustainability, Nespresso USA

Jessica advocates for the dual importance of purpose and performance within branding. Her campaigns reflect a commitment to community and environmental causes, significantly raising funds for charitable organizations while enhancing brand visibility.

6. Keri D. Richardson

Position: Cofounder & Managing Partner, CrowdAxis

With a data-driven approach to experiential marketing, Keri co-founded CrowdAxis to reshape marketing standards in the industry. Rich in experience, she also mentors emerging talent and engages in community service initiatives.

7. Brittany Slattery

Position: Chief Marketing Officer, OpenAP

Brittany is at the forefront of advocating for transparency and standardization in advertising. Her leadership at OpenAP has accelerated growth significantly, and she actively supports future generations through mentorship.

8. Caitlin Coburn Winsor

Position: Senior Director, Media Strategy & Investment, PepsiCo

Caitlin is passionate about integrating media with culture, driving innovative strategies at PepsiCo. Known for her keen understanding of consumer behavior, she challenges conventions to foster deeper connections between brands and consumers.

Reflections from the AAF Leadership

Steve Pacheco, President & CEO of the AAF, commended the inductees, stating, “This year’s inductees are exemplary of the talent and creativity driving our industry forward. They inspire us all to strive for better practices and outcomes.”

Chrissie Hanson, Chair of this year’s AHOA Council of Judges, added, “It is truly inspiring to watch these leaders not only innovate but also engage compassionately with their communities.”

Join the Celebration

The AAF invites everyone to join the celebration of these outstanding individuals who continue to shape the future of advertising. To learn more about the 2026 Advertising Hall of Achievement and the upcoming induction ceremony, please visit AAF. The event is sponsored by a number of esteemed corporations, highlighting cooperation across the advertising landscape.