Cannes Lions’ Chairman named IPA 2023 Honouree

By Olawale Sanusi

 

Philip Thomas, Chief Executive, Ascential Futures/Chairman, Cannes Lions will be receiving an Honorary Fellowship Award from the Institute of Practitioners of Advertising (IPA), today, alongside other six outstanding professionals for their exceptional contributions to the global advertising industry.

The event, which is expected to be held at the IPA President’s Reception in Belgrave Square, will also honour Damian Collins, Pip Hulbert, Vicki Maguire, Patrick Mills, and Nishma Robb.

According to Paul Bainsfair, Director General, IPA, the Honourees are being recognized for their immense contributions to the growth of the industry.

“Damian, Pip, Vicki, Patrick, Nishma and Philip have worked tirelessly throughout their careers to help improve the state of the advertising industry as a whole and I’d like to personally thank them for their commitment, drive and passion for our business and the people that work within it. They have all had wonderful, storied careers and it is a pleasure to announce them as the recipients of our 2023 New Year Honours,” he said.

Commenting on the award, the advertising expert said on his LinkedIn page: “The UK’s IPA announced that they have granted me an Honorary Fellowship along with this illustrious group. Thank you, genuinely.”

Philip has for many years championed the very best of creativity. During his long tenure as Chairman of Cannes Lions, he has been the first to promote and champion the ever-changing landscape of creative output, which also includes a creative effectiveness category for previous winners. It is through these auspices that the UK can claim its worldwide ranking for both creativity and effectiveness.

He is also Chair of the charity Media Trust, which works to improve diversity in the creative industries, and was cited as one of the Agents of Change for Gender Equality by the UK’s Management Today magazine.