• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, January 26, 2017

Cannes is just six months away and the jury spots are quickly filling up. Next up is Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide Chief Creative Officer and Co-Chairman Tham Khai Meng who will serve as President of the 2017 Titanium and Integrated jury at this year's Cannes which will be held June 17-24.

Of his appointment, Tham said, "I am looking forward to working with our Titanium and Integrated jurors to honor the work of our industry's fearless pioneers who are leading us into the future. Deep innovation, courage, and mold-breaking ideas are needed today more than ever. I am excited to see what discoveries we will make in June and greatly honored to be a part of this journey."

So what qualifies Tham for this top slot? Over the course of his career, he has won awards and served on juries at festivals and shows including Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Spikes and Clios. Himself, a multiple Cannes Grand Prix winner, Tham has worked on some big brands, ranging from Coca-Cola, to Motorola, IBM, Mercedes-Benz, SC Johnson, Philips, British Airways, Yum!, United Nations and Unilever Dove and others.

He is a member of the boards of the Miami Ad School, the Berlin School of Creative Leadership and the Future of Storytelling New York and has also worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as having served on the Steering Committee for content for the World Economic Forum.

He's also been cited by Advertising Age as "one of the world's most influential people in the communication business." Yeah, he might be kinda qualified.