Emeka Obia, Regional Head of Strategy at Publicis West and Central Africa, has been appointment as a member of the Creative Strategy Shortlisting Jury at the prestigious 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The globally acclaimed festival, regarded as one of the highest platforms celebrating excellence in advertising, marketing, and creative communications, will take place from June 22 to 26, 2026, in Cannes, France.
Obia’s appointment marks another significant milestone for African representation within the global creative industry, highlighting the increasing influence of strategic and culturally grounded storytelling emerging from the continent.
As Head of Strategy at Publicis West Africa, Obia leads the development of transformative brand and business strategies across West and Central Africa. Over the years, he has built a reputation for translating complexity into clear, culturally resonant ideas that drive measurable growth and business impact.
His portfolio spans multiple industries including FMCG, telecommunications, finance, entertainment, and healthcare, where he has partnered with major global and regional brands such as Nestlé, MTN, VISA, PepsiCo, Prime Video, Spotify, Heineken, and Nivea.
Known for operating at the intersection of brand, culture, and growth, Obia has contributed to building enduring brand platforms and unlocking growth opportunities in some of Africa’s most competitive sectors. In recognition of his contributions to the advertising industry, he was named Africa’s Adman of the Year in 2025.
Beyond his professional achievements, Obia is also deeply invested in talent development and industry advancement. He serves as faculty at the Executive Programme in Advertising at Pan-Atlantic University and mentors emerging talents through institutions including the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and African Leadership University. He also sits on the Advisory Board of the African Leadership Academy’s Student Enterprise Program.
Industry observers say his selection for the Cannes Lions jury reflects the growing recognition of African strategic thinking and creative leadership on the global stage.