Written by Dallas Wiles and Chris Collins, Co-CEOs of JCDecaux
As part of our ‘Behind the Trophy’ series, we caught up with last year’s Media Owner Leader winners, Dallas Wiles and Chris Collins, Co-CEOs of JCDecaux UK, to reflect on what winning the award meant to them, how the recognition has supported their professional and personal profiles, and why they would encourage others across the industry to put themselves forward.
For the first time in the history of the M&M Global Awards, we have welcomed the Media Leader Categories to the programme as part of our partnership with The Media Leader. The Leadership Categories celebrate the individuals making a significant impact across the media industry, recognising those who are driving innovation, championing their teams and shaping the future of the sector.
With the final deadline for entries on 14 September, there is still time to put yourself or a colleague forward. If you require an extension, contact our awards team today at fomawards@festivalofmedia.com.
What did winning the award last year mean to you?
To win an award of this stature is always an honour. It recognised not only our leadership, but the ambition and hard work of everyone at JCDecaux, the strength of our partnerships with landlords and advertisers, and the role we play in helping cities and communities thrive. Over the past five years, Out-of-Home has transformed through continued investment in premium locations, enhanced public infrastructure, and new digital and programmatic capabilities, all helping to create an even stronger platform for brands while delivering value back to the communities we serve. To have that progress recognised by the industry meant a great deal to us.
How has winning helped your professional and personal profile?
One unexpected consequence was seeing rather a lot of ourselves in industry publications and social media! The award undoubtedly elevated both our professional profile and that of JCDecaux. We received a huge number of messages from colleagues, peers and industry contacts following the announcement, reflecting the respect and goodwill that exists within the advertising community. Most gratifying was the response from our partners, whose trust and collaboration have been central to our success. Their recognition reinforced the value of the relationships we have built over many years and made the achievement even more special.
Would you recommend entering the Media Leader Awards, and if so, why?
We would wholeheartedly recommend entering. Winning was a tremendous honour, but simply being recognised alongside the industry’s leading talent is hugely rewarding.
The entry process itself is also a worthwhile exercise. It gives you the opportunity to step back, reflect on what you and your teams have achieved, and consider the impact you’ve made.
For us, it highlighted how far JCDecaux has come in its transformation into a leading digital media business, creating premium opportunities for brands and communities across the UK, all underpinned by a people-first culture that has been central to our success.
If you’re proud of the difference you and your teams are making, we’d strongly encourage you to put yourselves forward. The process is rewarding, and the recognition can be immensely valuable.
