Brain Upgrade Recap - Does Cannes Still Matter?

Chief Creative Officer, VML South Africa

One of South Africa’s preeminent creative leaders, Fran studied speech and drama at university but was saved from a life spent as “Second Extra From the Left” by moving into advertising. The move served her well – she has won multiple awards, including some of the industry’s most coveted accolades. In 2022, she was named Industry Leader of the Year at the Adfocus Awards. She has an MBA from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership and is a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.

Creative Group Head, VML South Africa

As a comprehensive creative – both in the realm of advertising and as a celebrated fine artist – Fumani has participated in several art exhibitions and won multiple local and international awards. His career accolades include being Design Indaba’s emerging creative, WPP Rising Star, exhibiting for Unconventional Creativity at Cannes Lions and being awarded the Daniel Arsham x A-COLD-WALL global artist grant. Whether in the gallery or in the pitch room, he brings the same belief: ideas should move people.

Senior Art Director – The Hardy Boys, a VML Company

A culture connoisseur from Pitori, Jess believes in creating work that archives our culture for future generations and that great ideas can come from anywhere – be it the dessert aisle or a week in Cannes. She has a knack for turning everyday chaos into clever, insight-led creative. A two-time Loeries Youth Committee member and an Open Chair Young Lions winner. Some of her work is still sitting on the awards shortlist but she knows the trophies are coming, they’re just taking the scenic route.