Former CEO of scandal-hit Cambridge Analytica joins other leaders to discuss the morality of data

With data and insights creating new opportunities for brands and companies to influence their messages and storytelling there has never been a more important time to reflect on how and where we get this information. As communications channels, platforms and content continue to proliferate, speakers at this year’s Cannes Lions will interrogate how we can respectfully engage consumers and drive a meaningful value exchange.

In his first speaking appearance since the company went into administration, former Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix will join Gillian Tett, US Managing Editor of the Financial Times on stage to discuss personal data and political agendas. Following claims of the company illicitly mining Facebook data, British regulators launched an investigation into Cambridge Analytica. As the story unfolded its impacts were felt around the world and the duo will review the surrounding reporting and its implications for the industry as a whole going forward.

Harvard University Professor Steven Pinker together with Taboola Founder and CEO, Adam Singolda, will question the art of asking questions. With so much data available, and ever faster and smarter ways to access it, technology still depends on us to interrogate the information presented. To help us gain real insights to inform and influence brand storytelling, the trio will examine the semantics of well-worded questions and debate whether advancements in AI will enable machines to ask more sophisticated questions.

Providing an insider’s perspective, Anthony Reeves, Chief Creative Officer at Wunderman Seattle/WPP will share his insights from his time at Amazon. The company holds a wealth of customer information around shopping and behavioural data which has the potential to deliver truly innovative and evocative experiences. Reeves will show a new approach to develop emotional connections between customers and brands.

Unilever’s Susan Ren, Senior Director, Digital Transformation and Jing Zhang, Procurement Director, North Asia Markets will join Wei Guo, Founder and CEO, Fugetech to discuss the issue of transparency around programmable workflows, following the FBI’s criminal investigation on the buying practices of agencies. The panel will look at Unilever China as a successful case study for a digitised infrastructure that facilitates and fosters collaboration.

The speakers join a line-up of creative talent from agencies, brands and the wider creative community throughout the 5-day event from 17 – 21 June. The full programme and speaker line-up can be found www.canneslions.com/attend/planner#/speakers.