Digital Media Awards names McCann's Matias Palm-Jensen jury president for 2012

Digital Asia Festival, the two-day event on digital marketing communications, has appointed Matias Palm-Jensen, European chief innovation officer, McCann Erickson, to lead the judging process of this year's Digital Media Awards. The Awards are central to the Festival, which is scheduled to be held on 7 and 8 November at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Beijing, China.

Commenting on his appointment, Matias said, "I am excited to see all of the digital creativity coming out of the APAC region where there is some extraordinary work being made – and am honoured to lead the jury in this task."

Terry Savage, chairman of Lions Festivals, added, "A highly regarded digital creative, Matias will bring to the table his great passion, forward-thinking and outstanding knowledge in digital communications. We are delighted that he will take up the challenge to chair the Digital Media Awards."

Matias Palm-Jensen, creative heavyweight and founder of Swedish digital agency Farfar, joined McCann Erickson in May 2011. He is responsible for strengthening McCann Worldgroup’s digital presence and capabilities across Europe and ensuring that digital is strongly integrated into every part of the client’s business.

In 1996, Matias started his first digital agency, Spiff Industries, a well-recognised and award-winning Swedish shop, with a focus on the Scandinavian market. He then moved on and founded Farfar (Swedish for 'grandfather') in 2000 to expand to global brands, giving clients a platform and channel in the new digital space.

At Cannes Lions, Matias has served as a juror three times in the last decade, including on the Titanium and Integrated Lions Jury. Matias is also a member of McCann Worldgroup's Creative Leadership Collective, a group of the network's top creatives.

Deadline for entering the awards is 31 August 2012. Delegates registering before 28 September can avail of an early bird fee of US$350.

Visit www.digitalasiafestival.com to submit entries or register to attend.