Brussels, 18 June 2026 — In a moment that captured the power of communication to shape reputation, drive transformation, and build trust, the European Association of Communication Directors (EACD) today announced the winners of the EACD’s European Communications Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement.

The Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement in professional communications, highlighting the strategic role that communications plays in shaping organisational success and contributing to society. Each year, the EACD honours individuals, teams and companies whose work advances the communications profession and demonstrates excellence in strategy, innovation, impact, and leadership.

In 2026, the European Communications Awards has four categories, each designed to highlight different facets of excellence in communications.

  • EACD Communications Leadership Award
  • EACD Communications Impact Award
  • EACD Communications Innovation Award
  • EACD Communications Excellence Award

Jill Meiburg, Head of Group Communications and Brand (GEA) wins Leadership Award

Jill Meiburg, GEA, received the EACD Communications Leadership Award, celebrating her outstanding contribution to the profession throughout her 30 years of communications leadership experience.

She has built an impressive career working both in Germany and New York in companies including Deutsche Telekom and DHL. Jill Meiburg joined her current company in 2020, where she has driven a major transformation of the communications function, building a high-performance culture and pioneering the use of communications technology. She played a key role in putting the company’s climate transition plan to a shareholder vote and was instrumental in its corporate transformation, contributing to its entry into the DAX 40.

A strong believer in developing internal talent, she has a proven track record of building high-performing teams. She has also recently taken on the role of Managing Director of the company’s Foundation, helping to build more resilient communities worldwide.

She has consistently demonstrated that strategic communications can create tangible business and societal value.

Siemens wins Communications Impact Award

Siemens was awarded the EACD Communications Impact Award, recognising the decisive role its communications function has played in repositioning the company as a global technology leader for the AI era.

Through an integrated, data-driven and AI-enabled approach, Siemens successfully transformed its narrative – from a traditional industrial conglomerate to a trusted technology partner driving digitalisation, industrial AI and infrastructure innovation.

The communications team’s work has been instrumental in strengthening trust, elevating executive visibility, and supporting enterprise-wide transformation, including the flagship “One Tech Company” programme. This strategic alignment between communications and business transformation has significantly enhanced Siemens’ global reputation and brand value.

Breakthrough Cancer Research wins Innovation Award

The Communications Innovation Award was awarded to Breakthrough Cancer Research, led by CEO Orla Dolan, for its programme “Cancer Revolution: Reimagining Public Engagement with Cancer Research.”

By bringing a free immersive exhibition into a Dublin shopping centre, the initiative took cancer research out of labs and into everyday life. Combining interactive science, virtual reality and human storytelling, it transformed complex research into accessible experiences.

The award, uniquely decided through a live finalist presentation and audience voting process, highlights bold ideas, creative storytelling and innovative formats that challenge conventional communications practices.

Ajax Systems wins Communications Excellence Award

The EACD Communications Excellence Award was presented to Ajax Systems, a global security technology company operating in over 180 countries with more than 4.5 million users. They provide long-term support for impactful social initiatives. The company contributes to the development of engineering education in Ukraine and supports the preservation of cultural heritage across different countries.

In addition, during the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ajax Systems and its partners created the Air Alert app, a life-saving tool that warns civilians of incoming threats. The app has been downloaded more than 46 million times to date, highlighting the real-world impact of communications and technology working together.

Celebrating a profession in transformation

The EACD European Communications Awards ceremony brought together leaders from across industries to recognise a shared reality: communications has become a core strategic driver of reputation, trust, and business success. This year’s winners reflect the evolving role of communications in navigating an increasingly complex world.

About the EACD

The European Association of Communication Directors (EACD) is the leading network for communication professionals across Europe, bringing together experts from corporate, public and non-profit sectors. Founded in Brussels in 2006, the association aims to attract, inspire and engage communication leaders while promoting excellence and professional standards across the field.

Through its community, research initiatives, events and flagship programmes—including the European Communications Awards and the EACD Summit—the association provides a platform for members to connect, share best practice, deepen expertise and shape the future of communications in a rapidly evolving global landscape.