AD Agencies
Publicis Groupe to end its “no award” policy after a year
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe announced in June 2017 that it would shift its promotional budget away from industry events and awards shows until 1 July, 2018 in order to focus on the development of its Marcel platform. The Groupe’s policy has been scrupulously followed throughout the year.
Barring one exception, the Publicis Groupe had no entry at this year’s Cannes Lions festival,
In support of creative excellence and out of respect for the company’s decision, some of the Groupe’s clients and partners have taken on the cost of entering what they consider to be award-worthy campaigns developed by Publicis Groupe agencies. There are 399 such campaigns as of 9 June.
The only exception to this is BBH London’s “3 Billboards” campaign for Justice4Grenfell, the organisation trying to get justice for the victims of the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster in London.
Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun says, “Twelve months ago, we took the decision to pause our investment in promotional industry events for one year. It was a difficult but necessary sacrifice at a moment when our industry is in need of radical change. It gave us the means, the focus, and perhaps more importantly, the sense of urgency, to reinvent the way we work and start building Marcel.”
12 Publicis Groupe leaders have been invited to attend the Festival as Jury Presidents or as part of the awarding juries. 12 additional Publicis Groupe leaders are members of the shortlist juries and will not be attending the Festival. 25 Publicis Groupe employees have been invited to attend Cannes Lions by their clients and by other industry partners. 15 Publicis Groupe employees have decided to attend the Festival by personally funding their trip. 20 Publicis Groupe account leaders will be participating in key client meetings taking place in Cannes-not attending the Festival. Their presence will be funded by Publicis Groupe.
“And of course, a big big merci goes to all of our people. The Groupe’s creative community has had to shoulder much of the weight of our decision to pause our promotions this year, and they have been outstanding during this period, which will come to an end on 1 July,” Sadoun adds.
At the invitation of the Festival, Publicis Groupe will present Marcel on Tuesday 19 June at 3:00 PM CET on the main stage of the Palais des Festivals.
Carla Serrano, Chief Strategy Officer of Publicis Groupe, Nick Law, Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Groupe and President of Publicis Communications and Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO of Publicis Groupe will present a beta version and discuss why it’s an important part of the company’s future.
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AD Agencies
Tawana Burnett to lead social and influencer jury at Abby Awards 2026
Meta’s Apac leader takes the reins for Abby Awards, adding flair to social content
MUMBAI: Tawana Burnett, Meta’s Head of Top Accounts and Agencies for Apac, has been named jury chair for the new social content and influencer ,arketing category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
With a 25-year career spanning the US, EMEA, Latam, and Apac, Tawana has worked on campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands and leading advertising agencies. At Meta, she guides CMOs, business leaders, and agencies on harnessing digital and emerging advertising solutions to accelerate brand growth.
Before joining Meta, Tawana led award-winning product teams at Intuit, LeapFrog, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, helping launch iconic products including QuickBooks, Listerine, Advil, and ChapStick.
A champion of diversity, she was featured in Adweek’s Women Trailblazers in 2019 for mentoring more than 15 women-led startups and for her work on the #biascorrect campaign that promotes women in leadership. She was also recognised in Ad Age’s Global Leading Women Class of 2023, The List in 2024, and served as juror for Spikes Asia and Mad Stars 2024.
Tawana has held leadership roles in the Singapore Inclusion Council at Meta, the IAB SouthEast Asia & India Board, and currently serves on the boards of IAA SEA and the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. Originally from New York, she now lives in Singapore with her husband and daughter.
The Abby Awards 2026, presented by The One Club | The One Show, will be held during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, celebrating creativity across the region.
