Anupriya Acharya becomes first Indian jury president for Creative Data Lions at Cannes Lions 2026

MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe South Asia chief executive Anupriya Acharya , has been appointed jury president for the Creative Data Lions at Cannes Lions 2026, becoming the first Indian to head the jury in the category and the first leader from India’s media industry to hold the role.

The Creative Data Lions recognise work that uses data imaginatively to generate insights, shape decision-making and deliver measurable creative impact for brands. Introduced in 2015, the category has grown in prominence as data, technology and creativity increasingly intersect.

Acharya said she was honoured to lead the jury, adding that data should be seen not as a constraint but as a catalyst for creativity. She said the strongest ideas today combine intelligence and imagination to create experiences that are meaningful, relevant and capable of driving business results.

Her appointment marks a milestone for Indian representation at the global advertising festival, which draws industry leaders from across the world to the French Riviera each year.