Flor Leibaschoff Named 2027 Radio Mercury Chief Judge

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 4:57pm CT

Flor Leibaschoff

The Radio Mercury Awards has named Flor Leibaschoff, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of BeautifulBeast, as chief judge for the 36th annual Radio Mercury Awards competition in 2027. Leibaschoff brings more than 25 years of advertising experience to the role, with a career focused on creative storytelling, cross-cultural marketing and developing campaigns that connect brands with diverse audiences.

She made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve as a Chief Creative Officer in the United States and has received numerous industry honors, including recognition as a Shining Star by the American Advertising Federation and a Woman to Watch by DMN.

Leibaschoff co-founded BeautifulBeast, an independently owned business growth company with offices in Dallas and Miami. She oversees creative development and leads initiatives combining creativity, data and cross-cultural marketing strategies.

Her work has received recognition at major international advertising competitions, including two Radio Mercury Awards in 2026. She was also among the first Young Creatives to win a Silver Cannes Lion representing the U.S. Hispanic market and previously served as President of Circulo Creativo USA.

"Our job is to make people who don't want to hear us listen anyway, and maybe even fall in love," said Leibaschoff. "That challenge still keeps me going, and there's only one way to win them over: a great idea."

She added, "It's a true honor to be named chief judge of the Mercury Awards, a staple of our industry for 36 years. What I love most about radio is that there are no case studies. You hit play, and the idea either works or it doesn't."

RAB President and CEO Mike Hulvey, who also chairs the Radio Creative Fund, welcomed Leibaschoff's appointment and cited her longstanding involvement with the competition. "Flor has been a longtime friend and champion of the Radio Mercury Awards, and we've valued our partnership with her in strengthening and elevating the competition," Hulvey said. "We're thrilled to welcome her as chief judge for our 36th annual awards and look forward to the creative vision and leadership she'll bring to this year's competition."

Beyond her advertising work, Leibaschoff has been active in mentoring emerging creative professionals, particularly women, and has participated in industry conferences and organizations promoting equality and professional development.

The Radio Mercury Awards recognizes creative excellence in radio and audio advertising. Categories for the 2027 competition, along with entry guidelines and submission deadlines, will be announced in late fall.