IAPI Recognises Industry Legends Jim Donnelly and Aidan Duffy with Honorary Fellowship Awards

At IAPI’s Annual General Meeting, IAPI awarded the Honorary Fellowship to two tremendous industry leaders – Jim Donnelly and Aidan Duffy, who worked together as directors at DDFH&B. Aidan sadly passed away earlier this year.

With over 50 industry leaders in attendance at the event, Jim and Aidan were honoured for their exemplary commitment to the industry and demonstrating the highest standards of leadership and excellence throughout their careers.

The fellowship is IAPI’s way of honouring their extraordinary contributions that have raised industry standards over the years. Previous recipients of the IAPI fellowship include industry leaders such as John Fanning, Smurfit Business School lecturer and former managing director and chairman of McConnells Advertising, Alan Cox, founder and ex CEO, Core, and Ray Sheerin, founder/MD of former agency Chemistry.

Jim Donnelly’s career, which began in 1969, exemplifies creativity, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. As managing director of DDFH&B, Jim steered the agency through a golden era, delivering campaigns that not only achieved commercial success but also set a new benchmark for creativity. 

Presenting the award to Jim, Abi Moran, president, IAPI said, “It is my immense pleasure to stand here today to celebrate a truly remarkable individual whose legacy has not only shaped our industry but has also inspired us all. This is a momentous occasion - this recognition is more than just a title; it is a testament to Jim’s extraordinary contributions, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Aidan Duffy hailed from Dundalk and started his 35+ year career in advertising in Des O’Meara and Co. and then moved to DDFH&B in 1984, as one of the first 10 employees. The business grew to have over 140 employees, where Aidan was a director and shareholder.

Presenting Aidan’s award posthumously to his wife Brenda, Nicky Doran, brand and strategy consultant, said, “Aidan Duffy was a proper ‘Ad Man’. Ad Man could be seen as an old-fashioned term. However, Aidan knew Advertising in its broadest sense. He understood the need to know the client and the client’s client. I think his superpower was he knew including people in every part of the process was not just important, it was key. He had proper values as a person, and he lived them. I can honestly say that I learned a lot from Aidan.”

IAPI publicly recognise and celebrate the achievements of this year’s fellows and honour their tremendous contributions to our industry.