Phil Thomas

Phil Thomas is one of the most recognized figures at the intersection of the creative advertising and AdTech industries, best known for his decade-plus tenure as CEO of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Under his leadership, Cannes Lions evolved from a prestigious but relatively contained advertising awards show into the definitive global platform where creativity, media, and technology converge — becoming an essential annual gathering for CMOs, agency leaders, platform executives, and AdTech innovators alike. His stewardship saw the festival dramatically expand its awards categories, content programming, and commercial partnerships, cementing its role as a key venue for industry deal-making and thought leadership each June on the French Riviera. Thomas joined the Cannes Lions organization in the early 2000s and rose through the ranks to the CEO role, navigating the festival through some of the most disruptive periods in advertising history — including the rise of digital and programmatic advertising, the platform dominance of Google and Meta, and the increasing convergence of data, technology, and creativity. His ability to position Cannes Lions as relevant to both traditional creative agencies and the emerging AdTech ecosystem gave him a rare dual credibility across communities that often operate in silos. He played a central role in managing the festival through its acquisition by Ascential and subsequent transitions in corporate ownership. Following Informa's acquisition of the Cannes Lions and related festival properties, Thomas moved into the role of Executive Chairman at Informa Festivals, overseeing a broader portfolio of major industry events. His career reflects a sophisticated understanding of how large-scale live events function as catalysts for industry agenda-setting, partnership formation, and cultural transformation in advertising and media.

Last updated Jul 10, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment