2026 Programme

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Cannes Lions

How to: Deploy the Most Expensive Influencer You'll Ever Hire

Monday 22 June, 11:00–11:30

Duration: 30 mins
Location: The Forum, Rotonde

Description:

Has a CEO's behaviour ever made you stop buying a brand? Or convinced you to believe in one? In an era obsessed with creators, influencers and AI-generated content, the most powerful (and least understood) brand asset may be the person running the company.

The Cult of the CEO is well and truly upon us. Yet the stakes are higher than ever: 82% of people say a CEO can damage a brand faster than ever, and every leader is now a walking campaign.

This session explores how organizations can strategically deploy leadership to build trust and drive growth. Join us to uncover the new rules of influence and learn how to make your most expensive influencer work harder for your brand.

Questions this session will answer:

  • When are leaders your most valuable brand asset, and when are they your biggest liability?
  • What separates leaders who drive business impact from those who become a distraction?
  • How do you orchestrate the CEO alongside creators, media, technology and other brand assets?

Content Stream

Creative Impact

The ultimate guide to proving the value and effectiveness of creativity.

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Speaking
  • Laura Simpson

    Omnicom Advertising

    Chief Intelligence Officer

  • Nancy Reyes

    BBDO Worldwide

    Global President & CEO

Tags

Content streams
  • Creative Impact
Type of experience
  • Festival Talks
Accessibility
  • Live Captioning in 60 languages