The 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has named Wema Bank’s Head of Brands and Marketing Communications, Mabel Adeteye, as a jury member for the Brand Experience and Activation category, placing another Nigerian communications professional on the global creative stage.

Adeteye will join other international industry experts to evaluate campaigns and ideas shaping the future of brand engagement at the festival scheduled to hold from June 22 to 26, 2026, in Cannes, France.

Her appointment comes as African marketing and communications professionals continue to gain wider recognition in global industry conversations, particularly in areas linked to 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 and digitally-driven audiences.

Among the initiatives linked to her leadership are 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 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 said: “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.”

“It is a privilege to join this year’s jury and contribute to recognising work that is moving culture and redefining engagement globally,” she added.