The London International Awards (LIA) celebrated a historic moment in Las Vegas as Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Non-Executive Chairwoman of Jung von Matt Group Germany, received the prestigious 2025 LIA Legend Award. This recognition makes her the first woman to be honored with the accolade since its introduction in 2023.
The LIA Legend Award is not just about creative brilliance—it honors leaders who have dedicated their careers to mentoring, empowering, and raising the standards of creativity for future generations. Previous recipients include Mark Tutssel (2023) and Piyush Pandey (2024).
Throughout her career, Dörte has achieved a series of remarkable “firsts.” She founded MARIA, Germany’s first women-led agency, and later became the first female President of the Art Directors Club Germany. Her leadership at Jung von Matt has shaped some of the most memorable campaigns for global brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Nivea, Zalando, BVG, and Sixt. Under her guidance, Jung von Matt secured global recognition, being named Independent Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions, LIA, and the New York Festivals.
Dörte’s creative achievements are matched by her commitment to diversity and women’s empowerment. Known for breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders, she has consistently championed the motto: “Change the world with creativity.” Her influence extends across the industry through her service on global juries at Cannes Lions, The One Show, Clio, LIA, and D&AD, as well as mentoring at Creative LIAisons.
Presenting the award, Barbara Levy, President & Founder of LIA, praised Dörte’s lasting contributions:
“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.”
With this recognition, Dörte Spengler-Ahrens joins the ranks of global creative legends, her career defined by power, passion, and an enduring legacy that continues to shape the advertising industry for the next generation.
