Philip Thomas: The Creative Visionary Transforming Global Brands
Who is Philip Thomas?
When discussing major figures in the global creative-economy, Philip Thomas stands out as a uniquely influential leader. With over three decades of experience spanning journalism, publishing, brand building, events and transformation, he has shaped some of the world’s most important creative platforms. Today, he sits at the intersection of media, live experiences, brand strategy and social impact.
Early Career & Foundation – Philip Thomas’s Journey into Media
From Education to Editorial
Philip Thomas’s career began far from the boardroom. After studying at Plymouth Art College, he embarked on a path in journalism and editing. This early foundation grounded his understanding of content, audience and storytelling, which would go on to inform his later leadership roles.
Transition into Publishing and International Leadership
Following his editorial beginnings, Philip Thomas moved swiftly into publishing management. Notably, he edited Empire magazine, recognised as the UK’s biggest-selling movie magazine at the time. From there he became managing director of major magazine titles, including leadership of FHM worldwide and the Emap publishing group in Australia and southeast Asia. This phase of his career exposed him to international markets, brand launches and rapid growth contexts.
Career Growth – Building Global Brand & Event Platforms
Leadership of the Lions Brand
In 2006, Philip Thomas assumed the role of Chief Executive of the Lions Festivals (including the prestigious Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity) – a position he held until 2016. Under his stewardship the platform evolved dramatically, expanding its global footprint, relevance and value.
CEO of Ascential & Strategic Transformation
Philip Thomas’s next major chapter was leadership at the FTSE-250 company Ascential. As CEO, he orchestrated significant acquisitions, strategic divestments and value creation. Among the most noteworthy moves was his development of the Cannes Lions and Money20/20 brands (acquired at a combined cost of circa £185 million) and their ultimate sale to Informa PLC for about £1.2 billion in 2024 — achieving a premium of approximately 55 % and one of the highest multiples seen in the sector.
Current Role: Chief Creative Officer, Global Brands at Informa
In July 2025 Philip Thomas advanced to become Chief Creative Officer, Global Brands at Informa PLC and concurrently Executive Chairman of Informa Festivals (from January 2025). In this capacity he oversees a portfolio of marquee event brands — including Cannes Lions, Money20/20, Black Hat, the Game Developers Conference and London Tech Week — positioning them for a future in which brand experience and creative leadership are front and centre.
Strategic Focus – What Philip Thomas Brings to the Table
Brand-Led and Experience-Led Thinking
One of the core themes of Philip Thomas’s thinking is that the future of live events and brand platforms will be anchored not in content alone, but in brand authenticity, experience design and meaningful engagement. His roles reflect that belief.
Growth, Innovation & Transformation
Philip Thomas’s career demonstrates a consistent thread of pioneering change — whether launching global editions of FHM, evolving a festival brand into a global business or delivering a high-value exit at Ascential. His skillset spans commercial acumen, creative leadership and strategic M&A.
Championing Creativity, Talent & Equity
Beyond commercial performance, Philip Thomas has been celebrated for his advocacy of talent development, innovation and equity within the media and marketing industries. He has been recognised as an “Agent of Change” in gender equality and remains actively engaged in advisory roles focused on the future of media, technology and creative industries.
Social Impact & Advisory Role – Philip Thomas Beyond Business
Chair of Trustees at Comic Relief
In February 2025 Philip Thomas was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees for the major UK charity Comic Relief. In this role he brings his creative leadership and global experience to bear on tackling poverty and injustice through the power of creativity and community.
Board-Level and Advisory Involvement
Philip Thomas serves on the BBC’s Future of AI in Media advisory board, is a trustee of Media Trust, and has previously served as a trustee of Malaria No More as well as been a member of the World Economic Forum’s Council on the Future of Media. Each of these roles extend his influence beyond commerce into social good and industry stewardship.
Notable Achievements & Recognition
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Helmed the Cannes Lions brand for a decade, elevating its global significance.
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Orchestrated the acquisition and growth of key brands (Cannes Lions, Money20/20) and achieved a landmark exit with Ascential’s sale to Informa.
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Appointed to oversee the Informa Festivals portfolio at a time of rapid change in live events, brand experiences and digital-physical integration.
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Recognised as an honorary fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and lauded by industry media for his leadership in gender equality.
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Moved from journalist and editor to global brand leader – a career arc that underlines his adaptability, vision and strategic insight.
Why Philip Thomas Matters for Brands & Creative Industries
A Bridge Between Content, Brand & Experience
Many industry leaders specialise in one domain—publishing, events, marketing—but Philip Thomas has operated across editorial, brand strategy, live experience and global business building. His career offers a blueprint for how culture, creativity and commerce can converge in meaningful ways.
A Leader of Transformation in a Disrupted Landscape
The media and events industries have been profoundly disrupted by technology, changing audience behaviours, hybrid experiences and the shift towards purpose. Under Philip Thomas’s leadership, platforms have pivoted and evolved—illustrating how to thrive in change rather than react to it.
A Voice for Creative Value and Social Purpose
Philip Thomas demonstrates that creative industries don’t only generate economic value — they can drive social change. His chairmanship of Comic Relief and advisory roles underline that creative leadership and social leadership are increasingly intertwined.
Conclusion – The Impact of Philip Thomas
In an era where brands must think globally, where events must deliver meaningful experiences, and where creative industries must address both commerce and social impact, Philip Thomas is a leader who embodies all these dimensions. Whether in his editorial beginnings or in his board-level strategic roles, he has consistently shown an ability to innovate, transform and champion creativity and purpose. For any brand, event or platform seeking to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape, his career and leadership serve as a benchmark for what is possible when creativity meets strategy, and experience meets value.
