Volkswagen AG head of communications and media planning Oliver Maletz has been announced as the jury chair for the M&M Global Awards 2017.

Maletz, who is globally responsible for all VW brand traditional, online, mobile, social, search and communications channels across markets, will lead the judging panel selecting winners for the event, to be held on 7 September for the first time at London’s Natural History Museum.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to chair the M&M Global Awards jury,” said Maletz. “I am looking forward to taking a closer look at some of the fantastic multi-market campaigns.”

This year, as well as a new venue and all-new industry sector categories, the event returns with a renewed commitment to recognise the inspirational ideas re-shaping international media.

The M&M Global Awards 2017 gala ceremony will for the first time see the introduction of client sector awards, with brands and agencies will be able to enter multi-market campaigns into seven categories including Automotive, Financial & Utility Services, Food & Beverages, Fashion, Beauty & Retail, Media, Entertainment & Sports, Tourism, Travel & Leisure and Technology & Telecommunications.

Other new categories include The Big Idea Award, which will reward any outstanding idea – no matter how big or small – which solved a media and marketing problem in a new way.

The Best MarTech or AdTec Innovation category has been introduced to recognise the best use or creation of a technology and the Best Sponsorship Activation prize will be awarded to the most impressive use of media to leverage a brand’s sponsorship assets.

Entries received before 20 April will save 12% on the entry fee – CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF CATEGORIES, AND FOR ALL DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER.

“The evolution of the media and marketing world continues apace – so where better to celebrate the greatest international media campaigns than in London’s stunning Natural History Museum?” said Christina Liessem, head of awards at C Squared.

“We are delighted to partner with such a prestigious venue for the M&M Global Awards 2017. It will undoubtedly add an extra layer of glamour to an already famous date in the international media calendar.

M&M Global editor Alex Brownsell added: “The M&M Global Awards remains the leading celebration of international media and marketing. With the newly-refreshed categories, we have ensured that the Awards continue to reflect the best cutting-edge work being carried out in multi-market media campaigns.

“It promises to be a special night at the Natural History Museum in September.”