Obama’s campaign manager to speak at Cannes Lions 2009

David Plouffe (pictured), the campaign manager behind Barack Obama’s historic presidential election, will join the advertising industry at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in France this year.

In President Obama’s acceptance speech, Plouffe was the first person, other than family, who was credited as "the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the… best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America."

Chuck Brymer, president and CEO of DDB Worldwide, commented, "This was the election heard round the world. Plouffe’s blend of digital and traditional media was spot on and the key driver behind the successful brand story and record campaign fundraising. This year there could be no better speaker and no better event for our multinational, creative celebration in Cannes. We look forward to having David with us in Cannes."

Bob Scarpelli, chairman and chief creative officer, DDB Worldwide, added, "Plouffe’s smart campaign, characterised by bold, creative use of media and consistent, authentic messaging, arguably made President Obama the brand of the year and his political campaign the campaign of the year."