TBWA’s Jean-Marie Dru leads first creative effectiveness jury at Cannes Lions 2011

Jean-Marie Dru, chairman of TBWA Worldwide, has been made jury president for the inaugural Creative Effectiveness Lions Jury at the 2011 Cannes Lions Festival.

“We believe that the new Cannes Creative Effectiveness category, which will ascertain a direct connection between creativity and effectiveness, will become one of the most important awards to win in the industry, especially in the eyes of the client,” said Philip Thomas, CEO of Cannes Lions.

“In Jean-Marie we have a hugely respected individual, and I can think of no better person to take the helm of the inaugural jury and doubtless set the standard for future years.”

Author of four books on advertising and marketing, ‘How DisruptionBrought Order’, ‘Beyond Disruption’, ‘Disruption’ and ‘Le SautCréatif’, Dru has twice chaired at Cannes Lions, first in 1982 (Filmjury) and again in 1998 (Film and Press & Outdoor juries).

Heis a member of the European Advertising Association, is a professor atthe Paris Institute of Political Studies and in 2008, was awarded theFrench Légion d’Honneur for his long-lasting contribution to theadvertising industry and to the business world.  

His legendary concept of ‘Disruption’ is integral to TBWA’s work produced across its 274 agencies in 100 different countries, driving strategic development for their clients and a common understanding across the network.

Dru said, “A brand-changing idea is only as big as the success it creates. Historically the biggest creative ideas have also been the hardest working and by nature effective. I am pleased to preside over the inaugural Creative Effectiveness Lions Jury at Cannes. We’ve always known the connection between effectiveness and creativity and we now have the opportunity to show the world the work we create has tangible impact on our clients business.” 

Dru started out in advertising in 1971 with Dupuy Compton (now Saatchi & Saatchi) as an account executive on Procter & Gamble and quickly rose to the position of ECD the following year. In 1977, he joined Young & Rubicam in Paris as MD, before becoming the agency’s CEO in 1979. In 1984, he co-founded the BDDP Group, and occupied the position of chairman.

Within seven years, BDDP established its international presence in 26 countries and was ranked 15th amongst global agencies. After the merger of BDDP with TBWA in 1998, Dru became president International of TBWA Worldwide. In early 2001, he was appointed president and CEO Worldwide, a position that he held until January 2008, when he moved to the role of chairman. 

Only entries that were either shortlisted or Lions winners, across all categories at Cannes Lions 2010 are eligible to enter. Submissions must be made before the 11 March 2011 deadline. The data of all entries will be checked by external auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers before being judged by Jean-Marie Dru and his jury in Cannes.