Danny Gonzalez Named 2026 Radio Mercury Chief Judge

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 21, 2025 | 10:15am CT

Danny Gonzalez

The Radio Mercury Awards has selected Danny Gonzalez, co-chief creative officer and co-founder of Bandits & Friends, as the 2026 chief judge for the 35th annual competition. Gonzalez brings two decades of creative leadership to the role, known for transforming everyday ideas into memorable storytelling through insights and emotionally resonant brand work.

In 2022, he teamed with David Suarez and former Barbarian Group president Courtney Berry to launch Bandits & Friends, an independent agency built around the belief that attention can't be bought - so "bandits go steal it." The shop, founded by a female and minority leadership team, has already earned Ad Age's Newcomer Agency of the Year and a growing roster of partners including Schick, The Athletic, Angi, Care, The Weather Company, Show Me Organics and Liberty Mutual.

Gonzalez's work has been recognized by Radio Mercury Awards, Cannes Lions, One Show, D&AD, Effie, Webby, Clios, Andy, ADC, AICP and more - not to mention, as the release notes, his parents, "who think he's just swell."

"From being a Radio Mercury Awards winner to now being named the 2026 chief judge is a real honor to me," Gonzalez said. "I am looking forward to working with an incredible final round jury to hear the best of the best that gets entered."

Mike Hulvey, president and CEO of the RAB and chair of the Radio Creative Fund, added, "As we walk into the 35th annual awards we want them to be as celebratory and relevant as always and indicative of radio in all its forms. Danny's been a great friend to the awards and will do a great job of leading the charge for this year's event."

The 35th annual Radio Mercury Awards categories, along with Call for Entry guidelines and deadlines, will be announced in December.