The American Advertising Federation (AAF) has unveiled its 2026 Advertising Hall of Fame class as part of the program’s 75th anniversary, including six legendary industry leaders, one corporate honoree, and two President’s Award recipients.
The Advertising Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations whose careers have had a lasting impact on advertising, business, and culture. The announcement was made Tuesday in conjunction with the ringing of the New York Stock Exchange closing bell.
“Our whole industry looks to the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame as the ultimate standard of leadership, character and lasting impact,” Ross Martin, chair of the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame and president of Known, told ADWEEK. “The 75th anniversary class is special, not just for what they’ve each achieved, but for who they are, how they did it, and all those they’ve inspired along the way.”
The 2026 Advertising Hall of Fame Inductees
This year’s Hall of Fame class spans creative leadership, brand stewardship, marketing innovation, and long-term cultural influence.
They include:
Gordon Bowen, founder, mcgarrybowen; creative chairman, Dentsu Creative
Esi Eggleston Bracey, global chief growth and marketing officer, Unilever
Susan Fowler Credle, global creative advisor, Interpublic Group; former chair and global chief creative officer, FCB
David Droga, vice chair, Accenture; founder, Droga5
Tim Ellis, chief marketing officer, NFL
Jim Stengel, president and CEO, The Jim Stengel Company; former global marketing officer, Procter & Gamble
“The Advertising Hall of Fame honors industry legends for their globally recognized achievements, groundbreaking innovations, and exceptional philanthropic contributions to both the advertising industry and their communities,” said Steve Pacheco, president and CEO of the American Advertising Federation. “On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame, I can’t think of a more distinguished Class of Honorees.”
Inductees will be formally celebrated at the Advertising Hall of Fame Induction Gala on April 23, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Corporate Honoree: American Express
In addition to the individual honorees, American Express was named the 2026 corporate Hall of Fame inductee, recognizing the brand’s long-standing influence on marketing, brand storytelling, and purpose-driven business.
Founded more than 175 years ago, American Express has built a legacy as one of the world’s most recognizable brands, with marketing that has shaped culture across generations. The company has also been widely recognized for its support of small businesses, including its creation of Small Business Saturday.
“American Express has built a legacy as one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the world,” Pacheco said. “Its marketing has shaped culture. The company is also a leader in purpose-driven work, and it has shown a deep commitment to supporting small businesses and helping local merchants.”
President’s Award Recipients
To mark the Hall of Fame’s 75th anniversary, AAF has selected two President’s Awards recipients for the first time. The award recognizes public figures whose primary careers are outside advertising, but whose work has made a meaningful contribution to the industry.
This year’s recipients are:
Barry Manilow, Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer
Marlo Thomas, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress, author and longtime activist
Manilow began his career in advertising, composing and producing some of the most recognizable commercial jingles of all time. Thomas has had a decades-long cultural impact through her work in entertainment and her advocacy for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping raise more than $1 billion over the past two decades.
A portion of the proceeds from the Hall of Fame induction gala will benefit The Manilow Music Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.