The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, set to take place from June 22–26, 2026, has revealed its Jury President lineup for the upcoming edition, featuring prominent creative leaders from across the globe.
India has a strong presence this year, with two senior industry leaders named as Jury Presidents. Anupriya Acharya, CEO, Publicis Groupe, South Asia, will preside over the Creative Data Lions jury, while Kainaz Karmakar, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India, has been appointed Jury President for the Health & Wellness category.
Acharya’s appointment marks a milestone, as she becomes the first leader from India’s media fraternity to serve as Jury President for the Creative Data Lions at Cannes Lions.
Acharya said, “I’m honoured to lead the jury for the Creative Data Lions, a category that reflects how creativity today is increasingly shaped by the interplay of data, intelligence and technology. There is often a misconception that data limits creativity when, in fact, it can expand its possibilities—informing ideas, experiences and content that are meaningful, measurable, and relevant at scale. I’m looking forward to seeing how our industry uses data with imagination and responsibility to deliver creativity that drives real business impact.”
Further strengthening India’s representation, Sindhuja Rai, Chief Client Officer, WPP Media, APMEA, has been named Jury President for the Media category.
The 2026 lineup also introduces the Creative Brand Lion, a new award celebrating brands that build visionary systems, cultures, and capabilities. Marcel Marcondes, Global Chief Marketing Officer, AB InBev, has been named its inaugural Jury President.
Independent agencies feature prominently this year, with first-time Jury Presidents from Artplan, Rethink, M+C Saatchi, and Mother (Industry Craft), highlighting the growing global influence of independent creative shops.
Chaka Sobhani, Global Chief Creative Officer, TBWA\Worldwide, has been appointed Jury President for the Dan Wieden Titanium Lions, one of the festival’s most prestigious categories.
Cannes Lions will remain open for Awards submissions until 9 April 2026.
Commenting on the jury lineup, Simon Cook, CEO, Lions, said, “Our Jury Presidents are selected for their proven creative leadership, global perspective and ability to recognise creative work that will raise the bar. The 2026 Jury President line-up reflects the full breadth of creativity today – spanning from brand building to transformation, to driving culture and influencing commerce. I have no doubt they will collectively set a powerful new standard for the year ahead.”
Read more: Cannes Lions 2025: Indian Creativity Shines with Nine Lions, Including Two Golds
