McCann Worldgroup Named Network of the Year at Golden Drum 2025
McCann Worldgroup has been awarded Network of the Year at the 2025 Golden Drum Awards - marking its ninth win overall and third consecutive title, reinforcing the network’s longstanding and unmatched creative leadership across Central & Eastern Europe, the Nordics, and MENA.
With 81 entries, McCann converted 38 shortlists into 30 trophies - including six Grand Prix, five Gold, 10 Silver, and nine Bronze - resulting in an impressive 47% conversion rate from entries to shortlists and 79% from shortlists to wins.
Nine agencies from the region participated in this year’s competition, with eight offices recognised with both shortlists and wins, including Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Macedonia, Poland, and Romania.
Adding to the celebrations, Panos Pagonis, creative director at McCann Athens, was named Creative Director of the Year, following the success of the acclaimed 'Wedding Rice' campaign, one of the most awarded of the festival. McCann Athens also took the #2 Agency of the Year spot overall.
“This recognition reflects our network’s consistency and commitment to creativity that endures,” said Catalin Dobre, co-CEO and chief creative officer, McCann Worldgroup Romania, regional creative director, McCann CEE. “It’s a story of constant hard work, creative camaraderie, and results - proof that sustained creative excellence is our greatest achievement.”
“Being named Network of the Year once again at Golden Drum shows the power of our collective talent and our belief in creativity as a business driver,” added Christian Johansen, president UK and Europe, McCann Worldgroup. “Our agencies continue to deliver exceptional work that resonates across markets - and this recognition celebrates that shared spirit.”
The Golden Drum Awards remain the most significant festival for the creative industry across the CEE region, Nordics, and parts of MENA, spotlighting breakthrough ideas that shape global creative standards. McCann’s consistent success reinforces the strength of its 'Truth Well Told' philosophy - uniting diverse teams under one shared vision of creative excellence that drives meaningful results.
