William J P Mawhinney

Mr William J P Mawhinney

BA Hons Graphic Design, 1978

It is with great honour that the University of Ulster in association with the First Trust Bank dedicate this year’s First Trust Bank/University of Ulster Distinguished Graduate Award to Mr William JP (Billy) Mawhinney.

Since graduating with a First Class Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Graphic Design in 1978, Billy Mawhinney has become well known for his creative genius in the advertising world.  He is currently Creative Director with Leo Burnett Ltd in London, which is part of the fourth largest communications company in the world and has held a number of key posts in other top creative agencies in the UK including J.Walter Thompson and Bartle Bogle Hegarty. 

During his career, Billy has managed accounts for clients include the giants of creative advertising campaigns such as Levi, Audi, Jaguar, Rover, Kit Kat, Liberty's, Ford, Barnardo’s and the Independent.  The quality of his work has been recognised through a number of prestigious awards including the Irish Film Festival Gold, Computer Animation Awards, British Television and IRL Radio Gold, Rank Cinema awards, three Film and TV Festival of New York awards, two Cannes Silver awards among many others.

Billy is a great believer in supporting new, young designers and has personally dedicated time and energy in the School of Art and Design through his 4-year stint as a Visiting Professor.  He has also helped many graduates from Northern Ireland secure their first big break into this highly competitive profession in London.  Billy is highly regarded in the advertising industry and his frankness and zealous commitment to encouraging and producing creative work have gained him many admirers across the UK. 


Winter Graduation News 2005

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young