Meet Tawana Burnett: Jury Chair of Abby Awards 2026

Tawana Burnett Appointed Jury Chair for Abby Awards 2026

Tawana Burnett, Head of Top Accounts & Agencies, APAC at Meta, has been selected as the Jury Chair for the Social Content and Influencer Marketing category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show. Holding over 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising, Burnett has collaborated with renowned brands and agencies across various regions, including the US, EMEA, LATAM, and currently APAC.

Within Meta, Burnett spearheads a team that offers guidance to CMOs, business executives, and agency partners on utilizing digital marketing and emerging advertising solutions to enhance brand development. Prior to her role at Meta, she directed multi-million-dollar brand and product teams at prestigious firms like Intuit, LeapFrog Enterprises, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. Throughout her career, she played a pivotal role in the creation and launch of well-known products such as QuickBooks, Listerine, Advil, and ChapStick.

Burnett is not only known for her professional achievements but also for her dedication to fostering diversity in the business arena. Her commitment to mentorship, including investments in over 15 women-founded enterprises, landed her a spot on Adweek's Women Trailblazers list in 2019. Furthermore, her involvement in initiatives like the #biascorrect campaign showcased her advocacy for addressing bias and promoting discussions on women in leadership roles.

Recognized for her impact on the industry, Burnett was honored with inductions into the Ad Age Global Leading Women Class of 2023 and The List in 2024. Additionally, she has served as a juror for prestigious events like Spikes Asia and MAD STARS in 2024. Engaging actively in industry endeavors, she previously co-led the Singapore Inclusion Council at Meta and held a board position at the Interactive Advertising Bureau Southeast Asia and India. Currently, she is a board member of the International Advertising Association Southeast Asia and Ronald McDonald House New York.

Originally hailing from New York City, Burnett now calls Singapore home, where she lives with her husband and daughter. The Abby Awards 2026, part of The One Club | The One Show, are scheduled during Goafest 2026 from May 20 to 22, 2026, in Goa.