It is with profound sadness that Pikasso announces the passing of Andrew Rawlins.
Andrew Rawlins was the founder of the Epica Awards, which he launched in 1987 while serving as President of DMB&B France. He created Epica to provide a pan-European creative award platform at a time when there was a gap between national advertising awards and global competitions. His most distinctive innovation was establishing a jury composed exclusively of journalists rather than advertising practitioners. This remains Epica’s defining characteristic and differentiator within the global awards landscape. Under his leadership, the awards evolved from a European competition into a global program.
Andrew was one of the guiding forces behind the Pikasso d'Or. As Secretary General and later President of the Jury, he brought exceptional expertise, integrity, and an unparalleled knowledge of global Out-of-Home creativity. His contribution was instrumental in establishing the Pikasso d'Or as one of the region's most respected awards programs, helping connect regional creative excellence with international standards.
On behalf of everyone at Pikasso, we extend our deepest condolences to Andrew's family, friends, and loved ones. He will be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and affection. May he rest in peace.
Antonio Vincenti, Chairman & CEO, Pikasso
“Andrew Rawlins has been a cornerstone of the Pikasso D’Or since its inception, before passing the baton to Dino Burbidge in 2025.
He had a rare combination of qualities that made him truly exceptional. Through his work with the Epica Awards, he became the living memory of tens of thousands of outdoor advertising campaigns. At the same time, he remained remarkably humble, fair-minded in jury deliberations, and always eager to build new friendships with creatives from all countries.
His friendship, unwavering support, and constant enthusiastic availability will never be forgotten. We will deeply miss him.”
Alain Weil, Honorary President, Pikasso D'Or
“Andrew contacted me in the mid-1980s to chair the jury of the Épica Awards, which he had just launched. That marked the beginning of more than 30 years of close professional collaboration.
Andrew joined me in creating the Chaumont Festival. Together, we founded the Cresta Awards in New York and, of course, the Pikasso d'Or, where he served as Secretary General before succeeding me as President when I had to step down.
We complemented each other perfectly because we were so different. I was always very comfortable speaking in public, whether chairing a jury or hosting award ceremonies from the stage. Andrew was the exact opposite - public speaking made him nervous! He was the man behind the scenes, organizing presentations and meticulously keeping the official records of the jury deliberations, all with an unmistakably British phlegm that never left him. It was a composure he maintained right to the very end."
Dino Burbidge, President of the Jury, Pikasso D'Or
“Taking over the Presidency of the Pikasso D'Or could have been a daunting experience, but Andrew was there. Watching him generously share decades of wisdom as he effortlessly navigated multiple regions, languages and categories, balancing a room full of passionate and deeply experienced OOH judges, was a real honor. As Isaac Newton famously wrote, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Andrew was our giant. His spirit will live on in every future Pikasso D'Or, and for that we will always be grateful.”