Marketing Leadership
Summit @ Cannes

Flight cancellations and lost bags could not keep advertising industry executives from flocking to Cannes this week. The industry descended upon the Croisette for the first time since 2019 and the energy was alive.

As advertising executives reconvene at Cannes for the first time in two years, it will be in the shadow of some grim headlines. Not so much about the pandemic, more about gender diversity.

It almost goes without saying that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in marketing and advertising may be one of the most important issues the industry currently faces. And – as a result – it should go without saying that the subject will be a hot topic at this year’s Cannes Creativity Festival. 

As one of the biggest media and entertainment in the United States, if not the world, the National Football League is looking to leverage its fans, players and platforms to engage fans and promote its ability to bring people together in these rather divisive times. 

Todd Kaplan was promoted from vice president of marketing to chief marketing officer of Pepsi back in March, but he has been on the fast-moving treadmill since he moved from PepsiCo’s Water Portfolio to the Pepsi brand four years ago.

Liz Caselli-Mechael, global head of digital and content at Nestlé, is looking forward to reconnecting with industry colleagues after moving from the US to Switzerland during the pandemic and taking on a global role with the organization. She will be speaking at the Brand Innovators Marketing Leadership Summit at Cannes today.