Cannes Lions announces Cyber, Design and Direct jury presidents

Cannes Lions has announced the jury presidents for Cyber, Design and Direct categories for the 57th Cannes Lions Advertising Festival scheduled to take place later this year.

Jeff Benjamin (pictured, left), VP/Interactive executive creative director, Crispin Porter + Bogusky has been appointed as Cyber Lions jury president, while Steff Geissbuhler (pictured, centre), partner, C&G Partners will head the Design jury. Meanwhile Pablo Alzugaray (pictured, right), CEO, Shackleton has been appointed Direct Lions jury president.

"We have appointed three extraordinarily accomplished experts to lead the Cyber, Design and Direct Lions categories. We are truly honoured to be working with them at Cannes Lions where their talent will add another dimension to these categories," stated Terry Savage, festival chairman.

Benjamin commented on his appointment, "When I started my career, the thought of ever stepping on stage at Cannes seemed fairly impossible. So you can only imagine what it feels like to be trusted with the honour of guiding this year’s Cyber jury. Over the years, the Cyber Lion has become the most coveted of Lions, redefining and pushing our industry forward. I expect this year to be no different."

Geissbuhler said, "Design is being recognised in Cannes as a fundamental ingredient in advertising. This will be the third year that design will be judged as its own category. I was very lucky to be a part of the inaugural jury and now will have the privilege to chair this one. It will be hard work and also a lot of fun. The location is fabulous and the parties are fantastic and seeing great work is always inspiring. We hope that more and more design firms, along with agencies, will submit work to this famous competition."

Shackleton's Alzugaray said, "The first time I came to Cannes I was young and had little money so I made a fake pass and ended up in the Organisers office. That was a long time ago, but I still feel the thrill of attending every year. Seeing better work than yours makes you want to improve. Being Jury President will not only be a more relaxed way to attend the Festival free of charge than my first, but also a great honour to which I shall respond with rigour."