Simon is the CEO of LIONS, the global organisation behind WARC, Effie, Contagious, and the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Following a career in advertising, he joined LIONS more than a decade ago and held several key roles before stepping into the CEO position in 2019. His leadership has been pivotal in transforming LIONS into a year-round global platform that inspires and equips the global marketing industry with the tools they need to produce consistently creative marketing that builds business, shapes society, and has long-lasting impact.

A champion for creativity’s transformative power, Simon has expanded LIONS’ offerings and solidified its reputation as the global destination and benchmark for creative excellence and effectiveness . In 2018, he founded the Global CMO Growth Council, uniting the world’s leading Chief Marketing Officers to remove barriers to international growth – with creativity as a driving force.

Simon’s deep understanding of the creative marketing ecosystem, coupled with his ability to navigate its complexities, has earned him recognition as a respected thought leader and trusted voice in the industry. Based on his work at LIONS, Simon is a passionate advocate for initiatives that promote equality, inclusion, and opportunities for the creative community to thrive.