Brilliance Awards Winners 2017

In 2017, we issued six honorary Brilliance Awards in recognition of incredible innovation, success and performance.

Awarded to Itaú Unibanco, Brazil

In 2017, Latin America’s largest private bank Itaú Unibanco aggressively shut down physical branches to transition millions of traditional users to its purely digital banking application. It cemented its role as the ultimate blueprint for how a legacy, brick-and-mortar financial giant can survive and outcompete agile fintech startups.

Awarded to Jack Ma Executive Chairman, Alibaba Group, China

In 2017 Alibaba experienced staggering digital growth by executing its “New Retail” vision, it seamlessly blended online and offline shopping. Jack Ma led Alibaba to process a record-breaking $25.3 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) in just 24 hours during the 2017 Singles’ Day shopping festival, cementing its position as a global digital heavyweight.

Awarded to Revolut, Europe

The London-based fintech startup exploded in popularity in 2017. By launching cryptocurrency trading alongside its multi-currency cards, Revolut became one of Europe’s fastest-growing digital banks, shattering customer growth milestones and redefining user expectations for personal finance.

Awarded to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), United Kingdom

The BBC deployed a powerful digital marketing strategy and execution for Blue Planet II in late 2017. Through highly engaging social snippets, immersive 360-degree videos, and coordinated online environmental campaigns, they turned a nature documentary into the highest-rated television event of the year, sparking global online discourse around ocean plastics.

Awarded to Walmart de México (Walmex), Mexico

Allocating 22% of their budget to e-commerce, technology, and logistics, they successfully scaled physical infrastructure, equipping 260 stores with “Click & Collect” booths and service stations. They formally launched Marketplace functionality on walmart.com.mx, opening their digital ecosystem to third-party Mexican sellers and exponentially growing online inventory

Recognizing that a vast portion of the Mexican population remained unbanked, they rolled out in-store digital kiosks. This allowed mobile-first consumers to place online orders in-store and pay physically with cash at the register, completely bridging the digital-physical divide.

Awarded to Nintendo EPD, Japan

For the creative masterstroke of launching The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild alongside the innovative hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch. The game set a global benchmark for interactive open-world design, reviving Nintendo’s fortunes through flawless digital and hardware integration.