Lescure named president of Cannes Film Festival
NEW YORK (AP) — Pierre Lescure has been named president of the Cannes Film Festival, succeeding Gilles Jacob.
The French festival said Lescure was elected in a board of directors meeting Tuesday. He will take office in July. The 83-year-old Jacob is stepping down after more than three decades with the festival and 13 years as president.
The 67th Cannes Film Festival in May will be Jacob's last as president.
The 68-year-old Lescure co-founded French pay-tv operator Canal Plus in 1984 and later served as president. He joins festival director Thierry Fremaux, who oversees the official selection of the festival.
The Cannes Film Festival is the world's premiere film festival. It will run May 14-25.
