Jeremy Basset, whose role as head of Unilever Foundry sees him oversee technological and cultural transformation across the FMCG giant, has joined the lineup for a special session at this year's Cannes Lions festival, focusing on how brands are marrying innovation with their social purpose efforts.

Basset joins Brian Lott, executive director of communications at Mubadala — the Abu Dhabi government's giant global investment vehicle — and Levi's Foundation executive director Daniel Lee on the panel.

Co-hosted by WE Communications and the Holmes Report, the event also features WE founder/CEO Melissa Waggener Zorkin and Kyne CEO David Kyne. It takes place on Wednesday 22 June from 4.30 to 6pm at the Radisson Blue 1835 hotel in Cannes, and will be followed by cocktails on the sunset terrace.

Basset who was previously global marketing strategy director at Unilever, launched Unilever Foundry to drive the company's work with startups. As part of the initiative, Basset's work involves partnering social impact startups with relevant Unilever brands that share a similar purpose and vision.

Lott, who joined Mubadala in 2012, is responsible for stewardship of the Mubadala brand and management of the group’s corporate communications requirements. As part of its core mission, Mubadala is committed to delivering social returns along with financial benefits, and measures its global social impact in terms of such themes as job creation, healthcare development, community partnerships and energy security.

Under the leadership of Lee, meanwhile, the Levi Strauss Foundation drives cutting-edge and effective grantmaking for justice, supporting innovative community partnerships and promoting the practice of good corporate citizenship.

Along with their fellow panellists, Basset, Lott and Lee will explore how companies can harness creativity in the service of their social purpose goals.

Registration for the event is free and is now open here, but please hurry as only limited places are still available.