The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025 has announced its Jury Presidents, marking a milestone for the African creative industry. Among the distinguished leaders, three top creatives from the continent have been selected to head key jury categories, underscoring Africa’s growing influence in the global creative community.
South Africa Leads with Xolisa Dyeshana and Andisa Ntsubane
South Africa’s Xolisa Dyeshana, Chief Creative Officer at Joe Public, has been named Jury President for the Audio & Radio category. This selection is a testament to the country’s long-standing success in this field. Following in the footsteps of industry luminaries such as Tseliso Rangaka, who held the same position in 2023, Dyeshana brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation.
Xolisa Dyeshana, Chief Creative Officer at Joe Public
I am incredibly honored and thrilled to represent South Africa on advertising’s biggest and most prestigious stage,” Dyeshana said. “I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the most talented creatives from around the world.”
Recognized globally, Dyeshana has been featured in The Drum’s World Creative Rankings and was recently ranked second in the Agency Scope 2023-2024’s list of top creative agency professionals.
Lions Scholarship: Andisa Ntsubane
Another South African, Andisa Ntsubane, Managing Executive for Brand, Marketing, and Communication at Vodacom Group, has been appointed as Jury President for the Lions Scholarship category. This program focuses on nurturing the next generation of creative talent by prioritizing diversity across geography, gender, race, class, and perspective.
Andisa Ntsubane, Managing Executive for Brand, Marketing, and Communication at Vodacom Group
Ntsubane’s role as jury president is a continuation of his leadership at Cannes, having chaired the Creative B2B jury in 2024.
“I am proud to lead this important category,” he shared. “It’s a unique opportunity to ensure that the Cannes Lions Festival is truly representative of the world.”
He will collaborate with an impressive team of African jurors, including:
Adetutu Laditan, Creative Director, Woof Studios, Africa
Adenike Odutola, Managing Director, X3M Ideas, Zambia
Delna Sethna, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy, Sub-Saharan Africa
Oriane A. Canfrin, Head of Marketing & Communications, Ecobank, Ivory Coast
Tseliso Rangaka, Chief Creative Officer, WPP Studio X, Africa
A First for Egypt: Ali Ali in Film Craft
For the first time, Egypt has a Jury President at Cannes. Ali Ali, Co-founder and Film Director of Good People Films, will lead the Film Craft category. Ali is one of the most celebrated directors globally, having created over 70 commercials for major brands like Vodafone, Google, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, and Amazon
Ali Ali, Co-founder and Film Director of Good People Films,
In 2015, Ali won the coveted D&AD Yellow Pencil for Best Director, followed by a Cannes Gold Lion in 2019 and a One Show Gold in 2020 for his work with Diesel. The Gunn Report has consistently recognized him as one of the world’s top 10 most awarded film directors.
Celebrating Creative Leadership
Simon Cook, CEO of Cannes Lions, expressed his excitement about the 2025 Jury Presidents.
We are thrilled to welcome a diverse and innovative group of leaders who grasp the transformative power of creative excellence in driving business growth and impact” he said.
This year’s appointments shine a spotlight on the immense talent emerging from Africa and affirm the continent’s position as a hub for creativity and innovation. As the global creative community gathers in Cannes, these leaders will undoubtedly inspire and pave the way for future generations.
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