Cannes taps 6 female presidents (updated)

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A broad cross-selection of global advertising talent has been named as jury presidents for the Cannes Lions in June – including a fairly impressive gender split of six females and 10 males. Of the 16 presidents, seven are from European agencies, five from the US, one from Asia, an Aussie (with Kiwi connections), and one from South America.

“Each member of this elite industry group knows how to recognise creative excellence, because they’ve been the force behind award-winning work throughout their careers,” said Cannes Lions managing director Jose Papa. “We’re delighted to present such a formidable team of jury presidents.”

The first line-up is named below and will be followed by an announcement of the Creative Effectiveness, Entertainment, Innovation and Health jury presidents next month.

Cyber Lions: Colleen DeCourcy, global chief creative officer, Wieden + Kennedy Portland, Oregon. “This is the 20th year that there will be Cyber Lions awarded in Cannes and it’s exactly 10 years since the last time I chaired this jury,” DeCourcy said. “What I’m looking for in the work is some kind of proof of progress. Have we moved the ball forward? Are we more sure what cyber means, or less? My hope is to nail a progressive definition of this category that will inspire the same kind of urgency and discomfort in the business as it did in the beginning.”

Digital Craft Lions: Henry Cowling, Creative Director, UNIT9, UK. “I’m looking forward to being shut away with some of the smartest people in our industry,” Cowling said. “To the debates and passionate defences, to the jealousy and gnawing self-doubt that come from studying the best work in the world. Most of all, I’m looking forward to representing the digital community who carry the torch for craft.”

Direct Lions: Ted Lim, chief creative officer, Dentsu Brand Agencies, APAC, Singapore. “This is not rocket science,” he said. “So I won’t make it sound like it is. We’ll be looking for innovative business solutions: is it different? Will it make a difference? Will it move people? Will it move business? We are not here to save mankind. But we won’t overlook something that reaffirms our faith in humanity.”

Design Lions: Sandra Planeta, founder & creative director, Planeta Design, Sweden. “I look forward to continuing to establish the Design Lions as one of the industry’s most important and influential awards,” she said. “For me, it’s important to create examples of how good design produces results and is part of sustainable development for brand, business and people.”

Film Lions: Pete Favat, chief creative officer, Deutsch North America. “Having the chance to explore the best storytelling, in a room full of the most curious minds, will be a mind-blowing experience,” he said. “I wish every creative person could sit in this room with us, because it’s always an education. It’s a real honour and privilege to work in this industry and to be tapped as the 2017 Film Lions president.”

Film Craft Lions: Robert Galluzzo, founder/executive producer, Finch, Australia, “True film craft is not found in the broad strokes but in its minutiae,” he said. “I’m looking forward to leading a vigilant jury who are not just blinded by the glitziness of the big stuff.”

Glass Lions: Wendy Clark, ceo, DDB Worldwide, North America. “The Glass Lion challenges our industry to shift and change culture,” she said. “Perhaps now, more than ever, society needs to hear, witness, feel and be moved by messages of gender equality, understanding and acceptance. I can’t think of time better spent than identifying and celebrating work that does just this.”

Media Lions: Mike Cooper, worldwide ceo, PHD Global, London. “Media is increasingly the key to successful consumer engagement,” he said. “New media technologies are now being seen as more than just about efficiency, but also as a new, dynamic creative canvas. With this in mind, it’s a huge privilege to be heading up the Media Jury this year, and I’m really looking forward to reviewing the best media work in the world with my fellow jurors.”

Mobile Lions: Andy Hood, head of emerging technologies, AKQA, UK. “Stories about artificial intelligence, holograms and robots have become the norm,” he said. “And yet the mobile phone remains the core of our connected life, our single constant link to the information we need and the people we care about. The continuing drive to create more value, more engagement and more amazement from this connection is celebrated at Cannes Lions like nowhere else. It is a privilege to preside over this jury.”

Outdoor Lions: Bruno Bertelli, global chief creative officer, Publicis Worldwide Global, Italy. “The Outdoor category has grown and evolved to become one of the broadest and most exciting to judge, encompassing executions from traditional through to digital and ambient,” he said. “I’m honoured that Cannes Lions has asked me to be president and can’t wait to see what the category has to offer this year.”

Print & Publishing Lions: Fran Luckin, chief creative officer, Grey Africa, South Africa. “This is an exciting time for print,” she said.” It’s a medium in transition, vigorously reinventing itself. Innovation is all around: in the marriage of print with digital, in the invention of unique delivery methods and in the burgeoning of Kickstarter-funded print magazine start-ups. Our duty as a jury will be to curate an inspiring portfolio of work, because it showcases a range of innovative possibilities for the future of print and publishing.”

Promo & Activation Lions: Stéphane Xiberras, president & chief creative officer, BETC, France. “It’s an honour to lead the Promo & Activation jury this year,” he said. “I think it’s one of the most exciting Lions that showcases the best of breakthrough ideas in non-traditional media. I’m really looking forward to seeing – and anticipate being jealous of – work that’s original, effective and engaging.”

Product Design Lions: Ruth Berktold, owner, YES architecture, Germany. “I’m extremely proud and honoured to evaluate the amazing work that so many firms have created over the last year,” she said. “Being the president this year simply means keeping the jury happy, the judging objective and figuring out what is the most meaningful and creative work in the different categories! And therefore uncovering so much about the current Zeitgeist and world-leading products.”

PR Lions: Karen van Bergen, ceo, Omnicom Public Relations Group, USA. “I’m delighted to serve as the PR President 2017,” she said. “We live in an era when authenticity and trust between organisations and stakeholders is more critical – and fragile – than ever, and that is where the public relations profession plays a crucial role. I look forward to seeing the great work that is submitted, and with the help of my fellow jurors, selecting winners that demonstrate meaningful insights, smart strategy, powerful creativity and ultimately, impressive and measureable business impact.”

Radio Lions: Mario D’Andrea, president & chief creative officer, Dentsu, Brazil. “Being president of the Cannes Lions Radio Jury – such an intimate and interactive media – is helping to select the most creative way to speak to millions and millions of people around the world,” he said. “Can there be anything more exciting than that?”

Titanium and Integrated Lions: Tham Khai Meng, co-chairman & worldwide chief creative officer, Ogilvy & Mather, Global, New York. “I very much look forward to working with our Titanium jurors to discover the innovation that is the future of our industry and to celebrate the fearless pioneers who are taking us there,” he said. “I am sure all of us are both humbled and honoured to serve on the jury and excited about the work ahead.”

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