The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has named the consumer goods giant Unilever as the 2024 Creative Marketer of the Year.

This honorary accolade is presented to a marketer that has amassed a body of iconic, Lion-winning work over a sustained period of time. By being presented with the award, Unilever has proved its reputation for producing bold and innovative marketing solutions in an increasingly dynamic industry.

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “Unilever is pushing the creative boundaries consistently and continuously across a wide range of brands from different markets, in collaboration with a breadth of agency partners, demonstrating a clear understanding and commitment to the power of creativity as a driver for progress and growth. Congratulations on this much-deserved win.”

Unilever was last honored as Creative Marketer of the Year in 2010. At last year’s Cannes Lions, the company was awarded Lions across a number of its brands, including Dove, Hellmann’s, Dirt Is Good (known as Persil, Skip and OMO), Magnum, Vaseline, Marmite and Pot Noodle.

These Award-winning campaigns are testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and creativity, underpinned by its marketing philosophy, ‘Get on the Frontline’. This program is championed by Unilever’s Creative Council.

Esi Eggleston Bracey, chief growth and marketing officer, Unilever, commented: “Thank you, Cannes Lions, for recognising our brand leaders and agency partners who are always pushing creative boundaries. Our commitment to bold, brave, and more creative marketing is unwavering. Creativity that starts with inspiration, connects to commerce at every moment and resonates with people to build desirable and unmissably superior brands. It is a huge honour to accept this award on behalf of our exceptional team that truly grasps the power of human connection to serve people and grow our brands.”

Alco-bev company AB InBev was bestowed with the accolade in 2023.