Unilever named Advertiser of the Year

Creativity & innovation

The accolade is presented to advertisers who have distinguished themselves for inspiring innovative marketing of their products and embracing the creative work produced by their agencies.

"The long-standing relationships we have built with our agency partners have enabled us to develop many striking and – more importantly – effective advertising campaigns," comments Keith Weed, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

He says that the depth of those relationships fosters the genuine strategic thinking and inventiveness that delivers both long-term brand equity and outstanding work. Keith will accept the trophy on behalf of Unilever at the awards ceremony in Cannes on 26 June.

The lion's share

Since scooping its first Cannes Lion with Omo in 1961, Unilever brands have gone on to win close to 200 Lions, including the Media Grand Prix in 2002 for Magnum 7 Deadly Sins – Give In To It,  and both the Cyber and Film Grand Prix in 2007 for the groundbreaking Dove Evolution ad.

"As one of the world's top consumer goods companies, millions of people around the globe are touched daily by the advertising of Unilever's brands. Over the years, their marketing has been renowned for the creativity and innovation that has driven the powerful work their agencies have produced. Cannes Lions are delighted to bestow the honour of Advertiser of the Year to Unilever," says Terry Savage, Festival Chairman.

Cannes Lions is the world's biggest celebration of creativity in communications, with over 22,500 entries from all over the world showcased and judged at the festival. Over the course of the seven-day event, some 6.000 delegates from 90 countries attend exhibitions, screenings, seminars and master classes presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders.