Baku Flames 2026 Jury Presidents Revealed

Baku Flames International Festival of Creativity has officially announced the Jury Presidents who will lead the evaluation for its 2026 edition. The lineup features global industry icons from top networks and independent powerhouses, marking a significant step in elevating the regional creative standards to a global stage.

Following the festival’s mission to celebrate the "Human After All" spirit in marketing communications, Baku Flames is proud to present the four visionaries who will preside over the jury rooms this May. These leaders, representing the pinnacle of creative excellence from Cannes Lions to D&AD, will oversee the four main tracks: Core, Design Excellence, Connect & Engage, and Effective Change.

A Team of International Creative Giants

The 2026 Jury Presidents are:

• Core Jury President: Catalin Dobre, CEE Creative Director, Co-CEO, and Chief Creative Officer at McCann Worldgroup Romania. A 4-time Cannes Lions Grand Prix winner, Dobre will lead the track focused on timeless storytelling and the fundamental power of the creative idea.
• Design Excellence Jury President: Lara Assouad, Executive Creative Director at Landor. A specialist in visual identity and Arabic typography, Assouad will preside over the categories celebrating branding and visual craftsmanship.
• Connect & Engage Jury President: Jorg Riommi, Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer at AIN'T. Known for his legendary work across the Publicis network, Riommi will oversee the tracks focused on PR, Media, and Digital interactions.
• Effective Change Jury President: Vidya Manmohan, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at V4GOOD. With a career dedicated to purposeful creativity, Manmohan will lead the jury in evaluating campaigns that drive real-world impact and measurable progress.

The announcement comes at a crucial time as the Early Entry deadline of 20 February approaches. Creative agencies, brands, and designers are encouraged to finalize their submissions to have their work reviewed by this elite panel.

Baku Flames 2026 will take place on 15–16 May in the heart of Baku. The festival will serve as a hub for inspiring talks, networking, and the celebration of "Human After All" during its prestigious awards ceremony.

The competition is currently open for entries across all categories. For more information on the jury and to submit your work, visit bakuflames.az.