Organisers of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity have named former Procter & Gamble Global Marketing Officer, Jim Stengel, as the inaugural recipient of the Lions Laureate for Marketing award.
The new honour recognises individuals whose vision, influence and contributions have significantly shaped the marketing profession and advanced creative marketing as a driver of business growth.
The announcement was made on Monday ahead of the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival.
Stengel, who spent more than three decades in the marketing industry, including seven years as Global Marketing Officer at Procter & Gamble, is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in modern marketing leadership.
According to Cannes Lions, Stengel played a pivotal role in transforming the festival into a major gathering for marketers and business leaders globally.
In 2003, he led the first major client-side marketing delegation to Cannes Lions, a move credited with accelerating the festival’s evolution into a global platform for brand builders, marketers and corporate executives.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Stengel has devoted much of the last two decades to mentoring and developing future marketing leaders through teaching, writing and executive education.
In 2011, he served as Dean of the inaugural Cannes Lions Creative Academy for Marketers before launching the CMO Accelerator Programme in 2013, an initiative that continues to train senior marketing executives worldwide.
Chief Executive Officer of LIONS, Simon Cook, described Stengel’s impact on the industry as profound and enduring.
Cook 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.”
He added that Stengel embodies the values represented by the new award.
“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,” Cook said.
Responding to the recognition, Stengel expressed gratitude for the honour, attributing his achievements to colleagues, partners and mentors throughout his career.
“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,” he said.
Stengel added that creativity remains one of the most powerful forces for business growth and social impact.
“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,” he added.
Stengel is expected to deliver the inaugural Lions Laureate Seminar at the Debussy Theatre on June 25 before formally receiving the award during the Cannes Lions Awards ceremony later that day.
Industry observers say the award underscores the growing recognition of creative leadership as a key driver of innovation, brand growth and long-term business success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
By Chaste Inegbedion
Chaste Inegbedion is an AI and climate journalist, social impact innovator, and Global Editor-at-Large at DA News with over 10 years of experience across technology, media, civic engagement, and global development. He is the Founder of Semaform Foundation and ConcordeApp, advancing conversations around AI, sustainability, gender equity, and the future of global collaboration.
