The organisers of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity have officially unveiled the shortlisting jury for its 2026 edition, featuring prominent voices from the global marketing and communications landscape.
Among the high-level appointments is Nigerian PR strategist and media leader, Omawumi Ogbe, who joins a select cohort of global experts to evaluate the PR Lions category.
Omawumi, who is the Managing Partner at GLG Communications and Editor-in-Chief of GLAZIA Magazine, joins the jury at a time when African creative excellence is increasingly taking centre stage at the world’s most prestigious advertising and communications festival.
Her appointment follows a string of recent international recognitions for Nigerian industry leaders, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for strategic storytelling and brand reputation.
In a statement shared on her LinkedIn profile, Omawumi highlighted the sector’s evolving nature and the significance of the upcoming deliberations in France.
“In a time where the definition of impact is constantly evolving, I am looking forward to reviewing the world’s most provocative and effective work that sets the global benchmark for creative excellence,” Ogbe noted.
She said, “Having spent many years at the intersection of reputation, media, and brand strategy, I know that the most powerful stories are those that bridge culture and commerce.”
The PR Lions shortlisting jury comprises 18 global leaders, including representatives from top-tier agencies and brands such as Edelman, Burson, Weber Shandwick, and Nestlé.
Omawumi will deliberate alongside peers such as Eleanor Sullivan (Chief Strategy Officer, Burson, UK), Deirdre Murphy (Global Client Partner, Ketchum), and Vladimír Bystrov (Managing Partner, Bison & Rose, Czech Republic), among others.
Reflecting on the industry’s push for inclusivity, Ogbe also acknowledged the role of the Black At initiative in fostering a more representative judging panel.
“Representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being heard where decisions are made,” she stated, expressing appreciation for efforts aimed at “ensuring diverse, world-class voices are brought to the global table.”
Omawumi Ogbe’s selection to the Cannes Lions jury further cements her standing as a leading voice in global communications. A seasoned industry leader, she serves on the board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) – the world’s largest and most influential PR professional body.
She is the visionary behind the renowned annual PR Power List, a definitive benchmark for excellence in Africa’s communications landscape.
Her track record of leadership has been consistently recognised with top honours, including being named MIPAD “100 Most Influential People of African Descent”; “PR Personality of the Year” by Marketing Edge in 2023, and more recently, the “Public Relations Exquisite Lady of the Year” at the 2025 ELOY Award, among others.
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