Cannes Lions has named Jim Stengel its inaugural Lions Laureate for Marketing. 

The new award recognizes individuals whose “vision, influence, and contribution have left an enduring mark on the marketing profession and advanced the role of creative marketing as a driver of business growth,” according to the organization. 

Cannes Lions credits Stengel—who served seven years as Global Marketing Officer at Procter & Gamble—with helping to shape “modern marketing leadership.” 

In 2003, Stengel brought the first major client-side marketing delegation to Cannes Lions creative festival, which the organization credits with helping accelerate the festival's evolution into a global meeting place for marketers, brand builders and business leaders. 
 
The group also applauds Stengel for his efforts to develop next-generation marketers through teaching, writing, and mentorship. In 2011, Stengel served as the Dean for the inaugural Cannes Lions Creative Academy for Marketers before establishing the CMO Accelerator Program in 2013.  

Stengel will deliver the inaugural Lions Laureate Seminar in the Debussy Theatre on Thursday 25 June, ahead of receiving the award at the Cannes Lions Awards Show that evening.