London, May 13: Contagious has announced the winners of the Contagious Pioneers 2026, its global ranking recognising agencies that have consistently demonstrated breakthrough creativity, strategic excellence, and future-facing marketing innovation.
The annual ranking, compiled using agency performance data from Contagious IQ the company’s global intelligence platform focused on the world’s most impactful marketing campaigns — celebrates agencies whose work has set new benchmarks for creativity and effectiveness across industries and markets.
The 2026 Contagious Pioneers include agencies from Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighting the increasingly global nature of creative leadership in advertising.
The 2026 Contagious Pioneers, listed alphabetically, are:
- David New York
- DDB NZ, Auckland (now known as McCann New Zealand)
- Gut São Paulo
- LePub, Milan
- Leo UK, London
- Marcel Paris
- Mother London
- Ogilvy Singapore
- PS21 Madrid
- Uncommon Creative Studio, London
- VCCP London
This year’s list includes several first-time winners such as David New York, Leo UK London, Ogilvy Singapore, DDB NZ Auckland, Gut São Paulo, LePub Milan, and VCCP London. The 2026 edition also marks the first time that an agency from Singapore has been named a Contagious Pioneer.
According to Contagious, the selected agencies represent the top tier of marketing excellence, with campaigns spanning multiple sectors including finance, retail, food and beverage, technology, and consumer goods.
Chloe Markowicz, Editor at Contagious, said:
“We have no patience for ‘good’ work at Contagious. We’re only interested in the best: the smartest strategic thinking, the most future-facing innovation and the bravest creativity. The work that is featured on Contagious IQ represents the top 1% of marketing excellence and the campaigns from our 2026 Contagious Pioneer agencies is the pinnacle of this content.”
She added:
“It’s already a tremendous achievement to be featured on Contagious IQ, but to be named a Contagious Pioneer shows that an agency has been repeatedly passed our editorial filter. It’s testament to their consistent creativity and originality and is a true marker of excellence.”
The rankings were determined based on how frequently an agency’s work was featured on Contagious IQ between April 2025 and March 2026. Scores were further weighted based on the quality of campaigns, editorial recognition such as Editor’s Picks, consistency across clients, and whether campaigns received deeper strategic coverage through the platform’s Insights & Strategy series.
Contagious said the ranking reflects not only creative excellence but also an agency’s ability to consistently deliver original and strategically effective ideas that influence the broader marketing industry.
The organisation also encouraged agencies globally to submit work for consideration through Contagious IQ, noting that inclusion in the platform is the only pathway to being considered for future Pioneer rankings.
Contagious is part of LIONS and operates under Informa Festivals, a division of Informa Group. Through its editorial intelligence platform Contagious IQ, the company analyses and documents innovative marketing campaigns, emerging trends, and strategic developments shaping the global advertising industry.