It’s probably a surprise to no one in the industry, given McWhopper’s phenomenal success, that Burger King is Cannes Lions’ Creative Marketer 0f the Year 2017.

In 2016, the company accumulated 76 awards, including two Grands Prix for McWhopper (one Print & Publishing, the other in Media), which was created by Y&R New Zealand.

Burger King achieved its first Cannes Lions win in 1969, a Silver Lion for Skinny Burger. It won a Titanium Grand Prix Lion in 2007.

Since its launch in 1954, the company has expanded to become one of the largest quick-service restaurants in the world, serving more than 11 million people in over 100 countries daily.

“Burger King is a brand that’s built a reputation for marketing campaigns that are bold, courageous and innovative, constantly challenging the limits of creative excellence,” stated Philip Thomas, chief executive of ascential events, which owns Cannes Lions.

“Burger King believes that being a brand with purpose can achieve long-term advantages and deliver strong business results. That’s why the company is making such an impact.”

Axel Schwan, chief marketing officer of Burger King, and Fernando Machado, head of brand marketing at Burger King, will collect the award during the 64th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, June 17-24.

“Creativity is a critical factor when it comes to helping us stand out from the pack and punch higher than our weight. This principle is applied to everything we do, from the way we differentiate ourselves by flame-grilling our burgers to the ground-breaking advertising campaigns we create,” Schwan commented.

Machado added, “This award is a tribute to the consistently strong creative work done by the Burger King brand over time.”

Explore Cannes Lions’ Best of Burger King – as well as other adland posts – on Stories, Cannes Lions new editorial feature here.