This year’s Adweek Media All-Stars represent the variety of tasks media agencies are taking on in 2023. They’re navigating AI and its impact on media buying, and they’re mastering the constantly growing list of retail media networks. This is all while doing what media agencies do best: strategically planning and executing the most effective media buys. Adweek’s 2023 Media Executive of the Year, Stacy DeRiso, has guided Initiative toward one of the industry’s strongest offerings. And our Rising Star, Allison Wolf, is using her power as a media buyer to advocate for change and inclusivity. Check out those profiles below, as well as 19 additional Media All-Stars who are mastering their craft.

— Jameson Fleming

Danielle Sporkin
President, Omnicom Media Group’s Beauty Co-Lab

Tapping into experiences as president emeritus of New York’s Gotham Roller Derby might not be the most obvious key to success for a media agency leader, but Sporkin has brought the inclusive strategies of roller derby to the media landscape with flare. While serving as chief product officer for Omnicom Media Group’s OMD USA, Sporkin became the strategic lead for the L’Oréal USA pitch. The success of that endeavor led to her being named president of Beauty Co-Lab, the 250-plus person unit creating data-driven, audience-first, full-funnel strategies for L’Oréal. With advocacy work including participating in organizations like Chief, the ForbesWomen Forum, Supermajority, and Badass Lady Gang, Sporkin’s goal of exceeding industry benchmarks is rooted in involved, community-minded leadership. As she told her BCL team, “Every voice matters, but only you can make your voice matter.” – Sara Century