Amir Kassaei, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Worldwide, will lead this year's film, Print, Outdoor & Radio and Integrated Jury. Kassaei has gained experience with agencies such as TBWA Worldwide, Barci & Partner, and Springer & Jacoby, before joining DDB as Chief Creative Officer and Associate Partner of DDB Germany in 2003.

Commenting on his appointment, Kassaei said: "It is a great honour to be leading the jury this year. I am looking forward to a lot of innovative and inspiring ideas of international endurance. Asia is going to play a very important role - not only in terms of the economy, but also in creative terms - for our industry and for business overall."

Heading up the Media jury will be Dominic Proctor, President, GroupM Global. Proctor oversees the management of the company's global media agencies worldwide, which in addition to Mindshare, includes Maxus, MEC and MediaCom. Prior to his role at GroupM, Proctor served for 15 years as CEO of Mindshare Worldwide.

Commenting on his role, Proctor said: "Running the world's biggest media investment agency is a real privilege. Our agencies are all world class. There is no doubt that this sector has gained hugely in importance as the media landscape has become much more difficult to navigate. One thing that reflects that importance is the quality of entries into the industry awards. Spikes is no exception."

Tina Manikas, Global Retail & Promotions Officer, Draftfcb, will preside over the Direct and Promo & Activation jury. Specialising in brand-building and behaviour-driving activation in all its forms, Manikas' more than 25 year distinguished career has seen her become a recognised leader in the industry and seasoned presenter on trends and insights at retail and integrated forums. At Draftfcb, she oversees retail marketing and activation efforts worldwide with an international account portfolio including Beiersdorf, Kraft, Motorola, and Brown-Forman, as well as US-based blue-chip clients MilkPEP, Taco Bell and Del Monte.

Commenting on her appointment, Manikas said: "I am very honoured to be heading up the Direct and Promo & Activation jury at Spikes this year. I look forward to seeing all of the fabulous entries and I'm excited to help the region continue to set the bar for great work."

Terry Savage, Chairman of Lions Festivals, commented: "Year on year, we're seeing Spikes Asia grow in all directions from entries to delegates to the level of content, meaning that the festival is firmly established as the must-attend regional event for the industry. To ensure that it remains so, and that it stays as a true reflection of the industry and region, it's crucial that we have the right people involved. All respected in their fields, Amir, Dominic and Tina have been chosen for their proven achievements and their clear ability to determine the best in creativity and set precedent within the region."

Entries and delegate registration for Spikes Asia is now open, with anyone registering before Aug. 1, benefiting from the early bird rate.