Cannes Lions elevates Simon Cook as MD

Ascential plc has announced the elevation of Simon Cook as managing director of Cannes Lions. His previous role at the organisation was VP - creative excellence. 

 

Cook replaces Jose Papa, who left the organisation last year.

 

Philip Thomas, chairman, Cannes Lions and president, Ascential Events, said, “Following the successful reset year in 2018 under Jose Papa, Cannes Lions is now ready for its next chapter of growth. After an exhaustive and rigorous process both internally and externally, Simon proved himself to be absolutely the right person for the job. He has been the driving force behind many of Cannes Lions’ innovations over recent years and already leads a significant portion of the company, including the awards, jury, learning and advisory arms of the business. He has also been responsible for launching and spearheading many of our global, year-round initiatives and partnerships such as the ANA/Cannes Lions CMO Growth Council. Simon is a familiar face in the industry and he is well respected within the Lions business. His clear vision, breadth of knowledge and experience of the global branded communications industry mean he is brilliantly placed to lead the continued evolution of Cannes Lions. I am absolutely delighted to be working with him as he takes the business to the next level and as he realises his exciting vision for the future.”

 

Cook said, “Creativity, in its broadest sense, is powered by people. As the team and I take this exciting next step, we will be dedicated to helping people and their businesses unlock their creative potential because we believe that creativity is a catalyst for business and personal growth. I am delighted to guide this team as we continue our mission to connect, inform and empower the global, creative marketing community and help them make the case for effective, creative problem-solving, every day.”

 

Cook has worked with the organisation for over a decade prior to which he was on the agency-side.