Mumbai: Cannes Lions has announced marketing veteran Jim Stengel as the inaugural recipient of the Lions Laureate for Marketing, a newly introduced honour recognising individuals whose leadership, vision and contribution have created a lasting impact on the marketing profession while advancing the role of creative marketing in driving business growth.
Stengel’s career spans more than three decades, including seven years as Global Marketing Officer at Procter & Gamble, where he played a pivotal role in shaping modern marketing leadership and influencing brand-building strategies globally.
His association with Cannes Lions dates back to 2003, when he brought the first major client-side marketing delegation to the Festival, helping transform it into a global platform that brings together marketers, business leaders and the creative community.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Stengel has spent nearly two decades contributing to the development of marketing talent through education, mentorship and thought leadership. In 2011, he served as Dean for the inaugural Cannes Lions Creative Academy for Marketers and later established the CMO Accelerator Programme in 2013, which continues to mentor senior marketing professionals.
Commenting on the recognition, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said, “Jim’s influence extends far beyond the marketing functions and organisations he has led. Through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering belief in the power of creative marketing, he has shaped the thinking and careers of marketers across generations. His impact on our industry is both profound and enduring, not only through the brands and businesses he has helped build, but through the leaders he has inspired and developed along the way. We are delighted to recognise Jim as the inaugural Lions Laureate – for Marketing. I can think of no one more deserving of this honour, nor anyone who better embodies what it stands for.”
Responding to the announcement, Jim Stengel said, “I am deeply honoured. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from extraordinary colleagues, partners, and friends, and this recognition is really a reflection of those relationships. I have always believed that creativity is one of the most powerful forces for growth in business and positive impact in the world. If I have contributed anything along the way, I hope it has been encouraging marketers to think a little bigger about the role they can play, the value they can create, and the difference they can make. For that, and for the many people who have shaped my journey, I am profoundly grateful.”
As part of the recognition, Stengel will deliver the inaugural Lions Laureate Seminar at the Debussy Theatre on 25 June, ahead of formally receiving the honour during the Cannes Lions Awards Show later that evening.
