Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity will honor Susan Credle with its lifetime achievement award, the Lion of St. Mark, on June 22, recognizing a career spanning more than four decades in the advertising industry. The announcement, made on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, positions Credle alongside previous recipients including Droga5 founder David Droga and Wieden+Kennedy alumna Colleen DeCourcy.
Credle, currently Interpublic Group’s (IPG) Global Creative Advisor, began her career in 1985 as a receptionist at BBDO New York. She rose through the ranks at BBDO, eventually becoming executive creative director and executive vice president. She later served as Chief Creative Officer at both Leo Burnett Chicago and FCB New York, where she championed a culture of “Never Finished,” encapsulated by the hashtag #NVRFNSHD.
Throughout her career, Credle has overseen award-winning campaigns for a diverse range of brands. Notable work includes the revitalization of the M&M’s characters, a literacy-focused update to McDonald’s Happy Meal, and the “Signify Stinks” campaign for Procter & Gamble’s Secret deodorant, aimed at addressing bullying among girls. Her work on Allstate’s “Mayhem” campaign and Secret Deodorant’s anti-bullying initiative also contributed to her industry recognition.
Cannes Lions CEO Simon Cook described Credle as “a trailblazer and a creative force,” praising her ability to “build cultures where creativity thrives” and “producing iconic work whereas shaping the values, standards and conditions for success.”
Credle’s appointment as Global Creative Advisor for IPG in 2024 came amidst significant industry shifts. Following Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG in December 2025, the combined entity underwent restructuring, resulting in approximately 4,000 layoffs and the discontinuation of several legacy agency brands, including FCB. Reports at the time indicated Credle would not be joining the new business.
In a statement released alongside the award announcement, Credle reflected on the influence of a 1985 Cannes Lions Grand Prix-winning campaign for Pepsi, directed by Joe Pytka. “That Cannes Lions Award taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since: the best ideas don’t just succeed in the moment – they strive to be NVRFNSHD,” she said.
