With the Prolific North Champions Awards returning for 2026, an exceptional panel of industry leaders has been assembled to recognise the people, teams and organisations driving meaningful growth, creativity and impact across the North of England and beyond.
Spanning brand, marketing, media, technology, education and investment, this year’s judges announced so far bring together global experience, regional insight and a shared commitment to innovation and excellence. From Formula 1 and Kellogg Company to fast-growth AI platforms, challenger brands and venture capital, the 2026 panel reflects the breadth and ambition of the Northern creative, digital and marketing ecosystem.
Early bird entry deadline – 22nd Jan
Final deadline – 27th Feb
Helen Potter
Head of Marketing, Kellogg Company
Helen Potter is a commercially driven brand leader with more than 17 years’ experience working on some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Cadbury, Heinz, Oreo and Pringles.
Currently Head of Marketing for Kellogg’s Cereal in the UK and Ireland, Helen is known for her energy, creativity and results-focused approach, crafting strategies that resonate with consumers while driving growth. She brings a sharp eye for storytelling, effectiveness and brand-building excellence to the judging panel.
Caroline Anderson (Huntley)
Head of Marketing, Virgin Red
With more than 13 years’ experience, Caroline Anderson oversees marketing strategy and communications for Virgin Red’s financial services partnerships across the UK and US.
Working at the heart of the Virgin ecosystem, Caroline brings expertise in brand partnerships, loyalty and customer engagement, with a strong focus on delivering value through creativity and strategic collaboration.
Arafa Heneghan
Brand Director, AO
Arafa Heneghan has spent over nine years at AO, where she leads the group’s brand marketing function. With nearly two decades of experience across major brands including Nestlé, The Co-op and Yorkshire Building Society, she is a strong advocate for authentic, customer-centric branding.
Arafa believes that brands succeed when they are truly understood and lived across an organisation, enabling instinctive decision-making rooted in shared values. Her judging perspective focuses on authenticity, clarity and emotional connection.
Andrew Diggle
Head of Digital Content, Formula 1
Andrew Diggle leads global digital content at Formula 1, where he has overseen fan engagement and platform integration since 2019, helping to transform how one of the world’s biggest sports brands connects with audiences worldwide.
Before F1, Andrew spent over seven years at Manchester United, holding senior roles including Head of Content, Programming and Productions and Acting Head of Media, playing a key role in the club’s global digital expansion. Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Managing Director at Idox (formerly j4b) and Senior Commissioning Editor at Macmillan, where he helped shape the evolution of digital publishing.
Ben Davies
Marketing Director, PXN Group
Ben Davies is Marketing Director at PXN Group, the platform formed through the merger of Praetura Ventures and Par Equity, representing £670m in total assets under management and 115 portfolio companies.
Based across Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds and London, PXN addresses regional imbalances in access to funding. With over a decade of industry experience, Ben works closely with portfolio companies, providing hands-on marketing support alongside investment. Previously, he led marketing for Social Chain’s media division during its IPO and co-founded alternative coffee and co-working space Ziferblat UK.
Holly Davies
Group Head of Marketing and Recruitment, Access Education Group
Holly Davies brings more than 14 years’ experience in the education sector, leading marketing and recruitment strategies that widen access and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners.
As Group Head at Access Education Group, Holly is known for combining a strong commercial mindset with a people-first approach, building high-performing teams while championing inclusion and opportunity for young people from diverse backgrounds. As a judge, she brings a values-led perspective, recognising excellence not just in results, but in innovation, inclusivity and long-term social impact.
Fergal O’Connor
Founder & CEO, Buymedia®
Fergal O’Connor is the Founder and CEO of Buymedia®, an AI-powered advertising platform designed to help businesses and agencies plan, buy and analyse omni-channel media more effectively.
With over 20 years’ experience across media, advertising and technology, Fergal has built his career at the intersection of data, automation and growth. Under his leadership, Buymedia® has expanded rapidly in Ireland and into the UK, establishing Manchester as its UK headquarters. He is passionate about democratising access to advanced advertising tools for SMEs and challenger brands.
Naomi Horan
Head of Social & Partnerships, CLOUD NINE
Naomi Horan has over a decade of experience in social media and partnerships and currently leads global social and partnerships for premium hair brand CLOUD NINE.
Recognised as one of the Top 30 Northern Marketers to Watch in 2024, Naomi is also a UK Social Media Awards Judge (2025) and a Global Social Media Awards Judge for 2026. Her judging perspective is rooted in cultural relevance, creator partnerships and social-first brand growth.
Mark Kuhillow
Founder, Trimontium.io
An exited martech founder, Mark Kuhillow now runs Trimontium.io, an AI growth consultancy supporting mid-sized companies to scale more effectively.
Alongside his consultancy work, Mark is an angel investor, advisor to multiple businesses, a member of the UA92 Advisory Board and works with Innovate UK to support start-ups and scale-ups. His judging lens combines deep technical expertise with real-world commercial experience.
Richard Walker
Director & Co-owner, Mustard
Richard Walker is co-owner of Mustard, Manchester-based market research and insights specialist. A self-described professional problem solver, Richard focuses on creating tangible commercial impact for clients through smart strategy, rigorous research and compelling storytelling.
Mustard works across sectors including grocery, FMCG, retail, leisure, financial services and professional services. Richard brings deep expertise in audience insight, brand strategy and customer experience to the judging process.
