Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza and Keith Rose to chair Media and Craft Lions

Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza, Global Chief Executive Officer of MPG since 2006, has been appointed Media Lions Jury President at Cannes Lions 2011.

Maria Luisa joined MPG in 1993 to head the newly created Corporate Development Department responsible for the geographical and business diversification of the company. In 1997, she was chosen to start the digital arm of the group, which led to the creation of Media Contacts – today a leading global interactive media network.

“Having served as judge in two previous Cannes Lions competitions, I am truly honoured to chair this year’s Media Lions Jury. Cannes is the pulse of the media industry and I believe that seeing fresh, ground-breaking work from around the world pushes everyone forward while at the same time paving the way for the future of our industry. I’m looking forward to working hard, debating, collaborating and, most importantly, having fun with the rest of this year’s talented jury,” said Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza of her appointment.

The Film Craft category will this year be chaired by Keith Rose, Director and Founding Partner of Velocity Films South Africa.

An award winner at every major show, including several Gold Lions, Keith was selected by shots as one of their “100 Top Creative Minds of All Time” and accredited by Campaign magazine to be among the top five directors globally. He pushes for the essence of the idea, and uniquely seems to know in advance if it will work visually.

It’s a real pleasure to welcome Maria Luisa and Keith to Cannes this year. Admired by their peers and greatly skilled in their professions, I have no doubt that they will both effortlessly and successfully step up to their roles in Cannes and guide their juries to uphold excellence in the work being judged

Terry Savage

Cannes Lions Chairman.

58th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity will take place from  19th to 25th June 2011, in Cannes, France.