Cannes Lions to honour Mars with Advertiser of the Year Award – kudos to work of BBDO and DDB

The 2012 recipient of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Advertiser of the Year Award will be awarded to Mars, Incorporated, manufacturer of chocolate, gum and confections, pet food, drinks and other food products.

The accolade is presented to advertisers who have distinguished themselves for inspiring innovative marketing of their products and who embrace and encourage the creative work produced by their agencies.

Since winning its first Cannes Lion in 1990, Mars commercials have gone on to win 77 Lions across different categories (11 Gold, 10 Silver and 46 Bronze Lions), as well as the Radio Grand Prix in 2007 for the Snickers ‘Hoedown’ spot via Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne – written by Paul Reardon (near left) and Jonas Peterson (far left).

“Mars’s creative and skilful approach to the brand communication of its diverse product portfolio has been rewarded at Cannes for many years,” says Philip Thomas, Cannes Lions CEO.

“Lions have been won for work from countries as diverse as France, the US, the UK, Brazil, South Africa, Portugal, Chile, and many more – a testament to a company which truly embraces creativity and demands outstanding work from its agencies. We congratulate all the marketers at Mars, as well as their agency partners around the world, on this well-deserved honour.”

Says Paul S. Michaels, President of Mars, Incorporated: “We are grateful for the recognition of the Cannes Lions Advertiser of the Year Award. This award is a testament to the fantastic work of our Mars Associates and our agency teams at BBDO and DDB. Ultimately great advertising is effective advertising, particularly when I see sustained growth on 80 year old brands such as Snickers as an example. Outstanding creativity connects with consumers across generations, geographies, cultures and languages and I am proud of the work being generated on our whole portfolio of iconic brands.”

The Advertiser of the Year trophy will be presented in Cannes to Bruce McColl, Chief Marketing Officer of Mars, Incorporated, during the Film, Film Craft, Branded Entertainment & Content and Titanium & Integrated Lions on Saturday 23 June 2012.

As Mars includes six business segments and operates across 73 countries worldwide, there is critical emphasis put upon connecting a network of country based marketers, and their agency staff at BBDO and DDB.

Says Bruce McColl, chief marketing officer, Mars, Incorporated: “Powerful ideas travel fast. Our Pedigree Dog Adoption campaign was born in the US [created via TBWA\Chiat\Day] and was rapidly embraced in over 40 markets. We want talented people working on real time business challenges. When they find a solution that works, their global colleagues are eager to share in that success. It is why we value people that can both develop and recognise great work. I am delighted that their combined efforts are being acknowledged with such a prestigious award”.

To register to attend the 59th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, visit canneslions.com