The 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has appointed Mabel Adeteye, Head of Brands and Marketing Communications at Wema Bank, as a jury member for the Brand Experience and Activation category. This recognition places another Nigerian communications professional on the global creative stage.
Adeteye will join international industry experts to evaluate campaigns and ideas shaping the future of brand engagement at the festival, scheduled from June 22 to 26, 2026, in Cannes, France. Her appointment highlights the growing recognition of African marketing and communications professionals in global industry conversations, particularly in audience engagement, storytelling, and digital brand strategy.
At Wema Bank, Adeteye has led several campaigns aimed at repositioning the bank’s image and strengthening its connection with younger, digitally-driven audiences. Notable initiatives under her leadership include the bank’s 80th anniversary campaign, the ‘One Day MD/CEO’ initiative for children, and ‘Sounds of ALAT’, a youth-focused entertainment campaign designed to boost visibility for the bank’s digital ecosystem. She has also played key roles in driving the bank’s digital visibility and audience engagement across social and video platforms.
Before joining Wema Bank, Adeteye spent more than seven years at TVC Communications, where she oversaw corporate communications, public relations, and digital strategy for brands including TVC News, TVC Entertainment, and Max FM.
Adeteye described her selection as a significant moment not only for her career but also for African creatives seeking global relevance. She stated: “Creativity is no longer defined by geography. Some of the most exciting brand experiences today are coming from markets that understand people deeply and know how to create authentic emotional connections.” She added, “It is a privilege to join this year’s jury and contribute to recognising work that is moving culture and redefining engagement globally.”
