Established in 2010, the Hall of Fame celebrates those who have, through their professional career and personal life, influenced creative minds and souls. Creative leaders who have inspired and motivated us, and who now guide us to move forward in our endeavours.
“I’m from Romania, and Golden Drum’s always been a pretty big deal for us. Back in 2005, when I was a junior, I would’ve given – maybe not a whole leg, but at least a femur – to win one. It never happened. I wasn’t even close. In fact, I had to wait for ten years to win one. That was probably for the best. I was way too young anyway, and I would’ve become a total dick. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a bit like going full circle for me. Honoured to be in such good company and eternally grateful to whoever proposed me and voted me in. If I were ever able to go back in time, I’d grab the nineteen-year-old me and tell him Calm down, be patient, go out more and keep your femur. You’ll do just fine,” said Mihnea Gheorghiu, LePub.
Mihnea began his journey in advertising at just 19, stepping into the industry as a junior copywriter in Bucharest, Romania. What followed was anything but conventional. He left business school behind to pursue creativity across some of the world’s most dynamic cities, including Hamburg, Paris, London, Madrid, Toronto, New York, and Amsterdam.
Over the years, his work has not only travelled the globe but also set new standards in the industry. Mihnea has earned an impressive 152 Cannes Lions—featuring two Grand Prix and one Titanium—alongside hundreds of other prestigious accolades from D&AD, Clio, The One Show, LIAA, Eurobest, Golden Drum, ANDY, and New York Festivals.
Since 2017, Mihnea has been shaping global creative direction at Publicis Milan, leading standout work for brands like Diesel and Heineken. His impact quickly propelled him from Global Creative Director to Global Executive Creative Director, and in 2021, to Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Italy. A year later, he took on an even broader role as Global Chief Creative Officer of the LePub Network.
Mihnea has become a defining voice in the region’s creative identity, opening doors for new generations and proving that bold ideas know no borders. Leading with courage, originality, and a deep sense of cultural truth, he has rightfully earned his place in the Golden Drum Hall of Fame.
About the Golden Drum’s Hall of Fame
A wall is just a wall. But whoever’s name is inscribed on it briefly brushes against immortality. Then a wall becomes The Wall. Golden Drum Festival has, in its thirty-two years, attracted great visionaries and dreamers who fought courageously and passionately for the progress of the creative industry.
As time goes by and people move forward, we tend to forget the names of those who have set the foundations upon which professionals of today build great things. Established in 2010, the Golden Drum Hall of Fame virtual wall reads the names of great women and men. The list grows with careful consideration and a sense of gratefulness to those whose names and actions we should never forget. Each new member needs to be confirmed and accepted into the Hall of Fame by the existing members.
Golden Drum Festival will be held from 12 to 13 October 2026 in Grand Hotel Bernardin, Portorož, Slovenia. The Golden Drum Competition is open for entries.
