Neil French receives NYF 2009's Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2009 New York Festivals advertising awards have announced the recipients of this year's Lifetime Achievement award. The Festival will bestow advertising creative Neil French (pictured) and commercial director Joe Sedelmaier with the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Speaking about the award, NYF President Michael O'Rourke said, “At such a tumultuous time when people are constantly talking about how much the industry is struggling to find itself, it’s incredibly fitting to honour two professionals who have clearly mastered the fundamental of any great ad, the idea."

French is the founder of The World Press Awards. As former WPP creative director, he is globally well-known for his award winning ads featuring a signature lengthy copy peppered with dry wit and a unique point of view. He has also won a number of awards in the past.

Sedelmaier is an award-winning commercial director who is known for the FedEx, Wendy’s and Alaska Air commercials, among others.