"Creative fuel for a whole year" - Terrace talk with Publicis
In an m&k interview on the Snapchat terrace of the Marriott Hotel, Dennis May and Rob Hartmann discussed new roles, creative excellence, and the inspiring impact of Cannes.
During Cannes Lions, the m&k team met with Dennis May, newly appointed Chief Creative Officer of Leo EMEAand with Rob Hartmann, Executive Creative Director of Publicis Zurich. On the terrace of the Marriot Hotel - with a view of the Croisette - they gave an insight into their collaboration, cases from the competition and their personal assessment of the festival week in a video talk.
Dennis May has been in a new role since the beginning of June - and that had an impact on his week in Cannes: "I met a lot of new clients, but above all I was able to explain in one sentence exactly what I do now," says the CCO, who represents Publicis throughout Europe.
Rob Hartmann, who has creative responsibility in Zurich, particularly appreciates working with May: "He is extremely calm and tough on the job - that brings speed and clarity." The most effective channel: WhatsApp. Blue checkmarks, no excuses.
In terms of content, Publicis scored with several pieces of work, including a multiple award-winning case for Axa France: The extension of household contents insurance to include a clause on domestic violence not only ensured social relevance, but also jury recognition: two Grand Prix, Titanium and Glass shortlists included.
Projects for Heineken and Oreo were also awarded prizes - a remarkable performance overall. "Anyone who even reaches a shortlist here can be proud," emphasizes May, referring to the extremely high standard of the competition.
Rob Hartmann, on the other hand, missed out on the hustle and bustle at the Palais in favor of a new client: Publicis Zurich secured the SBB pitch. A good example of the team's clear priorities: "Clients first - even in Cannes."
When asked what they took away from Cannes, they both gave similar answers - but with nuances: Motivationsays May. Mutationadds Hartmann. What they both have in common: the week on the Côte d'Azur is creative fuel for a whole year - including a healthy dose of envy, as Hartmann admits with a wink.
The full interview with Anna Kohler, Editor-in-Chief of m&k, is available at in the video with a palm tree view and Publicis punchlines.
