Ad Age 40 Under 40

The Ad Age 40 Under 40 list recognizes talented individuals who have been responsible for helping to advance a business or a brand at an advertiser, agency, media, tech or marketing company in a demonstrable way within the last 12 months. At a time of economic uncertainty, where brands are weighing the impact of tariffs and a potential recession on advertising budgets, the need to innovate and stay ahead of the curve is more critical than ever.

This list honors the best of the best: AI artists, savvy social managers, Gen Z geniuses, new-business rainmakers, data scientists and entrepreneurs as well as rising stars in more established companies. Examples might be the brand manager who turned around an ailing business or the creative director who masterminded a campaign that struck a cultural nerve.