LAS VEGAS, USA – Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Non-Executive Chairwoman of Jung von Matt Group, has been named the recipient of the 2025 LIA Legend Award, becoming the first woman to receive the honor. The award was presented by London International Awards (LIA) President Barbara Levy at the Encore Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.
The LIA Legend Award, established in 2023, recognizes industry leaders who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, vision, and leadership while also dedicating themselves to mentoring and developing the next generation of talent. According to LIA, the award goes beyond honoring creative brilliance, highlighting selflessness, humility, and a lasting impact on the industry.
Dörte began her career in advertising after studying Visual Communications, first as an art director before shifting into copywriting. She joined Jung von Matt and became Creative Director within three years, later founding MARIA in 2000, the first women’s agency in Germany. Returning to Jung von Matt in 2002, she went on to establish JvM/Spree in Berlin and played a key role in expanding the agency’s international presence with JvM/9 and other units including JvM/Pulse, JvM/Fleet, JvM/Elbe, JvM SAGA and JvM Hamburg.
She has led award-winning campaigns for major clients such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Nivea, Zalando, BVG, and Sixt. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including Germany’s Agency Person of the Year in 2019 and the Braveheartaward at the Best Agency Awards in 2023. Under her leadership, Jung von Matt has twice been named Independent Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions, as well as at LIA and the New York Festivals.
Beyond her creative achievements, Dörte has been a strong advocate for women and diversity in the industry. In 2020, she became the first female president of the Art Directors Club (ADC) Germany, implementing reforms to increase representation and pushing the motto: “Change the world with creativity.” She has served on major international juries including Cannes Lions, Clio, The One Show, and LIA, and sits on advisory boards for D&AD and the New York Festivals.
In 2024, she was appointed Non-Executive Chairwoman of Jung von Matt Group—the first in the agency’s history.
The 2025 LIA Legend Award cements Dörte’ reputation as one of the most influential creative leaders in Germany and the global advertising industry.
“This year, I am proud and honored to present the LIA Legend Award to a creative leader who has impacted the industry, not just in Germany but around the world: Dörte Spengler-Ahrens. And it gives me great joy to present this award here in Las Vegas, a city that holds a special place in her heart: the city where she got married,” Barbara Levy, President & Founder of LIA, said before presenting the award.
adobo magazine is an official media partner of the LIA 2025.
