PRASOON JOSHI TO HEAD CANNES LIONS 2008 OUTDOOR JURY

Prasoon Joshi, Executive Chairman of McCann Worldgroup India and Regional Executive Creative Director Asia Pacific, will be next year’s Outdoor Lions jury president.

Considered the torchbearer of the young breed and the contemporary face of Indian Advertising, Prasoon is accredited with creating a distinct identity for Indian Advertising by combining ‘structured’ western style with the inherent ‘chaos’ of the Indian way of life. Turning fortunes of many big brands he is also attributed with marrying ‘creativity and scale’.

From the ground breaking 2003 Coca-Cola campaign to the 2007 prolific ‘Happydent Palace’ chewing gum commercial, his work has gained credence both with the public and international juries. Prasoon has won more than 400 national and international advertising awards including Gold, Silver and Bronze Lions at Cannes, Ad Fest Asia, Media, and honours at One Show, D&AD and Clio. Under his leadership, McCann Erickson India has transformed into a veritable creative powerhouse and Prasoon has set in motion the creative renaissance of the company’s agencies in Asia.

Australia’s Terry Savage, Chairman of the Festival, commented, “Prasoon Joshi is an extremely talented and passionate creative leader who is pushing the boundaries that ultimately shape the future culture of his country and beyond. A jury president of such talent is a welcome addition to The Cannes Festival in 2008.”

“It’s wonderful to be part of Cannes as a Jury President and a creative individual. There is no ‘formula’, specific style or trend that connotes Cannes. It always surprises and I celebrate this unpredictability. Outdoor is an ‘eye-lid’ medium; in most cases blink and it’s gone. It’s not easy to have an intricate craft in it and very specific ideas and execution are required for this medium. I would like us to appreciate the nuances of this category and honour them. I look forward to an exciting time at Cannes 2008,” said Prasoon Joshi on his appointment.

In 2006, Prasoon was nominated as a ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum, joining other extraordinary individuals under the age of 40 who share a commitment to shaping the global future; and on the occasion of India’s 60 years of Independence, a few months ago, The Times of India put Prasoon amongst the country’s ‘Top 60 Icons’ for his contribution in several fields that have shaped and impacted India’s public awareness.

A writer and poet, Prasoon has already had three books published and is an accomplished songwriter for many popular Bollywood films earning him a BAFTA and Oscar nomination. But Prasoon, who believes in breaking moulds, still considers advertising as his first love and a modern art form.