Darkhorse’s Francesca Kelly and Colenso’s Léon Bristow named on Campaign’s 40 Under 40 List

Campaign Asia Pacific has released its 40 Under 40 List, honouring the under-40 talents who are shaping the future of the marketing, media and communications industry across APAC. Only two Kiwis were recognised in the prestigious round-up this year, DARKHORSE’s Managing Director New Zealand Francesca Kelly and Colenso BBDO Art Director and Founder of BEINGS Léon Bristow.

Says Kelly: “I’m really proud to be named alongside so many inspiring leaders in the region. I also feel very grateful to our incredible team at DARKHORSE and our parent company, Project Worldwide, for fostering a culture where everyone is encouraged to grow and succeed.

“Anyone who has worked with Fran will tell you she’s one of the brightest and most dynamic talents in the industry, so we’re thrilled to see her named on this list,” says DARKHORSE CEO Mike Hewitt. “This recognition is a testament to both her achievements and the calibre of world-class talent that defines DARKHORSE.”

Bristow has built a reputation as a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in the creative industries. Alongside his role at Colenso BBDO, where he has led campaigns for Matariki, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Spark and Auckland Pride, he founded BEINGS – an online directory designed to spotlight and cast POC, Rainbow and Disabled talent. The platform has already secured multiple paid roles for underrepresented groups and sparked important industry conversations around equitable casting practices. Bristow also serves on Aotearoa’s DE&I Cross-Industry Working Committee, helping shape standards for culturally rich and inclusive production across New Zealand. Recognised recently as the Emergent Icon in the Te Hapori Matihiko Awards, he continues to be a driving force for authentic representation and cultural storytelling in the region.

With 20% more entries than ever before, Campaign Asia remarked that the jury faced an even tougher task in forming this year’s highly selective list. To be recognised, each nominee needed to prove their measurable impact on the industry as well as their professional achievement, leadership, innovation and creativity. 2025’s list features 20 women and 20 men from 14 markets across the region including Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

For the full list, please click here.