Effie Awards Switzerland 2026: New co-presidency with Lara Jelinski and Daniel Fischer

The Effie Awards Switzerland will usher in a new era in 2026: for the first time, the 80 or so jury members will have a co-chair. Lara Jelinski, Chief Growth Officer Central Europe & CEO Media Switzerland at Dentsu, and Daniel Fischer, Positioning & Planning Lead at Swiss Re, combine many years of experience from the agency and corporate world. The co-chairmanship solution stands for a new, collaborative jury approach that combines professional diversity, strategic depth and a holistic view of the submissions.

"We not only evaluate campaigns, but also talk about impact, responsibility and relevance - especially in an environment in which communication is constantly changing," says Jelinski. "The Effie doesn't just reward great ideas, but successes that are strategically planned, creatively implemented and measurably proven," adds Fischer.

Experience from agency and company

Lara Jelinski stands for impact-oriented transformation in complex organizations and creates the conditions for sustainable growth. She is passionate about strategic change, innovation and measurable results - core values that she also contributes as Co-President of the Effie Jury.

In his role, Daniel Fischer orchestrates the communicative positioning on globally relevant topics. Previously, he shaped the marketing and communications work at UBS and Credit Suisse for over a decade through numerous successful initiatives - with a focus on brand positioning, storytelling and measurable impact. As a member of the Grand Jury 2022, he brings in-depth jury experience.

Multi-phase judging up to the Grand Effie

The judging takes place in several phases: From the preliminary evaluation and intensive group discussions to the selection of the bronze, silver and gold winners. All gold cases qualify for the Grand Effie, which will be announced exclusively at the gala in November.

More relevant than ever

The marketing world has become more fragmented, data-driven and faster. At the same time, budgets are under pressure. For the Effie year 2026, both jury heads would like to see a bolder, broader submission culture. Cases that show that efficiency and creativity are not mutually exclusive, but create growth together. Campaigns that are so clear that people are happy to share them as a team.

The Effie Awards Switzerland have been presented in Switzerland every two years since 1985 by Leading Swiss Agencies, the association of leading communications agencies. They are regarded as the national Oscars of the industry and recognize the most effective and groundbreaking marketing communication. Submissions open on March 9, 2026 and the Award Night will take place on November 19, 2026.