Now that the Super Bowl is over, we can turn our attention to the next big ad industry event on the horizon, Aside from the Academy Awards — because, let’s be honest, the broadcast is really just a playground for Super Bowl wannabees — there’s Cannes.
The 61st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the first nine jury presidents, out of a total of 17, selected to chair this year’s juries.
“As the world’s biggest celebration of creativity in communications, we are delighted to welcome such an outstanding group of people to lead the juries to champion innovation across the industry. As visionary leaders, they will steer the debate that will impact the future of their respective categories,” says Philip Thomas, CEO of Lions Festivals.
Creative Effectiveness Lions Jury President
David Sable, Global Chief Executive Officer, Y&R
“In an age of data obsession, there is a misconception that somehow advertising hasn’t been accountable. Nothing could be further from the truth. The best advertising, the most memorable and creative advertising has always delivered. The beauty of data is that it makes it more apparent. I’m honoured to be chosen as this year’s Jury President for the Cannes Effectiveness Lions and to serve with such an esteemed team of judges. I hope that we will be accountable to deliver the best to the Cannes community.”
Cyber Lions Jury President
Susan Bonds, co-founder and CEO, 42 Entertainment, USA
“As Cyber Lions move into 2014, it’s exciting to see new categories emerge that embrace the reality of digital’s role in everyday life, creative craft and innovation.
Novelty has been replaced with excellence in execution, authenticity, reach and impact, and creating a user experience that connects.”
Film Lions Jury President
Amir Kassaei, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Worldwide
“It’s a great honour and a big responsibility to be the president of one of the most important categories in Cannes. I look forward to seeing a lot of great work, to have great discussions, and to set a signal on what we believe should the bar for Film will be in the next years.”
Innovation Lions Jury President
Tom Bedecarré, Chairman, AKQA and President, WPP Ventures
“To inspire creative excellence in communications we increasingly need to develop new technologies, and the Innovation Lions celebrate creativity in technology. I’m super excited to see the apps, tools, hardware, software and platforms entered in this second year of the Innovation Lions awards.”
Media Lions Jury President
Matt Seiler, Global CEO, IPG Mediabrands
“It has become increasingly challenging to find time amidst all the exciting goings on during the festival to focus on the real reason we are there…as Jury President I can’t wait to get in deep with some of the world’s best work.”
Outdoor Lions Jury President
José Miguel Sokoloff, President, Lowe Global Creative Council & Co Chairman and CCO Lowe SSP3 Colombia
“Outdoor is possibly where most of the best ideas in contemporary advertising come to life. To be honoured by Cannes Lions, having been given the responsibility to preside over this jury makes me very excited and proud. I am already looking forward to the sessions.”
Promo & Activation Lions Jury President
Susan Credle, Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett, USA
“When I look back at 2013’s winners in Promo and Activation, I see work that also was honored in Film, Outdoor, Titanium. This is absolute evidence that the best work being done today drives participation. Channel agnostic ideas are the most modern ideas in our industry. And they tend to show up in Promo and Activation. I look forward to getting the week off to a great creative start.”
Radio Lions Jury President
Tony Hertz, Proprietor and Creative Director, Tony Hertz: Radio & Brand Sound, The Philippines
“For a guy who’s been in love with making radio ads for as long as I have, this is obviously a massive thrill and privilege. I’m really looking forward to working with my fellow jury members to choose – perhaps even unearth – radio work which is not only great and fresh advertising, but is also impeccably conceived and crafted for this unique medium.”
Titanium & Integrated Lions Jury President
Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, India & South Asia, McCann Worldgroup
“I’ve enjoyed a long association with Cannes Lions Festival and I very much look forward to June 2014. Titanium brings the world’s most respected and eclectic set of people to the jury, and there is immense learning. The bar is raised and new benchmarks set for the world in advertising and communications. It will be an honour to work with the jury, and I hope I can humbly contribute to our quest for the best, the most breakthrough, transformational ideas the industry has to offer. And celebrate those ideas that challenge and inspire us all.”
Cannes Lions will take place 15-21 June 2014. Entries can now be submitted into all categories including the new Product Design Lions introduced to reward the applied use of physical products in aiding the communication of a “brand ethos” as well as its use to have a positive impact on improving people’s lives.
