Messenger crowned DMA Young Spark 2009
Roxanne Messenger from Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw has been named DMA Young Spark 2009 in one of the most hotly-contested finals since the awards started in 2005.
The creative art director triumphed after seeing off co-finalists Renee Heath of WMpS and Sophie Slowe of Targetbase Claydon Heele in a "grueling" second-round pitch process.
She was awarded the title and £1,000 prize money at the DMA Scottish Ball after impressing judges including Chris Arnold of Creative Orchestra and Gary Smith, partner at Hush.
“It was an honour to be nominated for the DMA’s Young Spark award, so to be named as the winner is absolutely amazing," Messenger said.
"Getting the award has given me a real boost and I now feel like anything is possible in my future career," she added.
Entries for this year's Young Spark competition, which recognise the direct marketing industry's up and coming talent, were up 64 percent on last year.
Chris Sherlock of the Young Spark judging panel, and marketing director for Equifax, said: "Roxanne stood out from the other candidates by demonstrating that she has a natural talent and real flair for direct marketing.
"It's refreshing to see so much enthusiasm and entrepreneurial vision from such a young marketer."
Young Spark was launched in Scotland in 2005 in memory of John Young, the ormer WWAV Rapp Collins Edinburgh managing director, who died at the age of 38.
Young was recognised as one of direct marketing’s foremost practitioners and the DMA was keen to honour his achievements with an award which encourages new talent and a new generation of direct marketers.