Dave Barnett Named in Campaign's 40 Over 40 Winners 2025
We're celebrating big news from the industry's most prestigious recognition scheme.
Our co-founder Dave Barnett has been named among Campaign's 40 Over 40 winners for 2025!
The annual awards spotlight 40 professionals aged 40 and above who are shaping advertising's future.
This year saw 152 entries from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with winners spanning creative and media agencies, brands, tech companies, and media owners.
Doing Things Different From Day One
Dave's journey started without formal qualifications, moving from retail through local press before seven formative years at Universal McCann. But frustration with big agency opacity sparked something different.
In 2010, he co-founded December19 with Dan Pimm, building radical transparency into our DNA when the industry was moving the opposite direction.
That philosophy of "doing the right thing" became our competitive advantage. We grew from zero clients to a 30-strong team managing over £40 million in media spend, proving effectiveness and ethics work beautifully together.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Campaign highlighted some standout results from our transparent approach:
332% increase in recycling locator searches for Material Focus
350% boost in regional penetration for Jimmy's Iced Coffee
29-point consideration increase and 34% gross profit growth for Xero
4:1 ROI delivery with 39,300 bookings for a language learning client (119% above forecast)
Our Optix platform, fully compliant with ANA and ISBA standards, gives clients unprecedented control over media investments. Meanwhile, Oculus provides live dashboards with real-time insights and complete placement transparency.
Building Culture That Counts
Recognition extends beyond client results. December19 earned Campaign's Best Places to Work five times (first place in 2018) plus Sunday Times recognition. Our internal metrics show 94% of staff feel recognised and rewarded, while 95% are proud to work here.
We achieved B Corp certification in 2022, planted 22,400 trees, and donate 10% of profits to charity. We're also IPA CPD Gold for four consecutive years, proving development and culture go hand in hand.
Industry Impact
Dave's commitment to accessibility has transformed talent entry points.
As one of Universal McCann's first non-graduate hires, he created pathways for diverse talent through apprenticeship programs. Initiatives like Gen B Corp events build on the AdUnlocked framework, introducing students to media careers through practical experience rather than academic requirements.
Campaign's judges commended Dave's "commitment to transparency, ethical practices and transformative leadership." Endorsements highlighted his rare combination of deep media expertise paired with courage to redefine accepted practices.
Jane Wolfson, President UK & International at Captify, noted: "Dave doesn't simply talk about media transformation but is invested in actively building it while bringing others along for the journey."
Co-founder Dan Pimm added: "In a world where seemingly, only profits matter, Dave has focused on making sure D19 does the right thing for our staff, clients, suppliers and planet."
Looking Forward
Dave's vision remains clear: cement December19's legacy as the agency that restored trust between clients and media partners. Transform the traditional agency-client dynamic from transactional to collaborative, where shared goals replace mechanical conversations.
He wants to create a sustainable business model and culture that thrives long after leadership transitions, where "doing the right thing" stays embedded in daily operations. Prove that media can be more human, more honest, and infinitely more effective.
Congratulations to all 40 winners recognised in this year's awards. The full list showcases incredible talent driving positive change across our industry.