The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the heartland of global thought leaders and changemakers. Globe Media Group is there covering the trends, bold ideas, and breakthrough creativity shaping marketing and advertising.
Apple | Human after All
FESTIVAL OPENING SEMINAR: Creative Marketer of the Year
Apple was named Creative Marketer of the Year and Tor Myhren, Apple’s Vice President of Marketing Communications, opened the festival with a rallying cry of much-needed optimism in support of human creativity in his opening seminar titled Human after All. Yes, AI will be the backbone of Cannes this year, as we are amidst a profound revolution. But logic alone isn’t the path to connection, life is not an algorithm. To reach your audience, you must make them feel something. Therefore, human insight is our collective superpower. And thus, Myhren’s take on AI makes sense to me: that human creativity, coupled with AI “riding shotgun,” is the path to creating something wonderful. I can get behind that. What an excellent kick-off.
Reporting Karen Howe, President, The Township Group, Cannes Lions Advisory Board member
Regarded as an authority on global trends in culture, tech and creativity, Karen speaks to audiences across North America providing a vital analysis of these key trends. She is a globally recognized Creative Director and a Cannes Lions Advisory Board member who trains Canada’s Young Lions and Judges for competition. Karen is also a rarity as a female creative director in an industry where fewer than 10% are women. Count on her for a unique point of view. Follow her on X @realkarenhowe
Journal House | Hard Truths, Real Results: How News Unlocks Advertising ROI
Another standout session came from The Wall Street Journal House, a fringe event at Cannes Lions: Hard Truths, Real Results: How News Unlocks Advertising ROI. Hosted by Phillipa Leighton-Jones, SVP at The Trust (WSJ | Barron’s), the panel featured insights from Tracy-Ann Lim (Chief Media Officer, JPMorgan Chase), Mark Miller (Chief Strategy Officer, Team One), and Mark Penn (Chairman and CEO, Stagwell).
Amid a media landscape often clouded by caution, the message was clear: it’s time to reframe the way we think about advertising in news. Backed by new global research from Stagwell, the CEO panel revealed that 90% of CEOs consume news daily, 86% believe brands should be advertising alongside credible journalism, and 87% consider news a strategic investment to reach and influence stakeholders. And perhaps most notably, 69% believe the brand safety conversation has been overapplied.
The speakers urged CMO’s and marketers to challenge any brand safety misperceptions and to show up where audiences already are, not just where it’s easiest to do so. “News deserves the same footing as sports and entertainment,” said Penn, encouraging brands to rethink their assumptions. In a world of “magpie marketing”, where brands flock to the same platforms, this session was a compelling call for more conviction, more nuance, and more respect for the power of showing up in trusted, high-value spaces.
Young Lions Design competition teammates Jesse Shaw & Zoë Boudreau.
The 2025 Global Young Lions Competitions officially kicked off today, with contenders diving into briefs across PR, Media, and Film. Canadian teams arrived in Cannes over the weekend and are already hitting their stride – bringing bold ideas, sharp strategies, and creative fire as they prepare to face the jury.
Reporting Marcin Zerek, Head of Trade Marketing, The Globe and Mail
Marcin Zerek with Andrea Hunt, President and CEO, ACA, and Shannon Lewis, President, CMDC on the famous steps in Cannes.
Dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in the marketing industry, Marcin leads the representation of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Canada, driving strategic initiatives that support the growth and recognition of Canadian talent and creativity. With a strong blend of strategic vision, creative expertise, and a passion for driving positive change, he continues to make significant contributions to the marketing landscape, both within The Globe and beyond.
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