Cirque du Soleil Appoints Mark Cornell as New CEO
Cirque du Soleil Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Cornell as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 17, 2025. He succeeds Daniel Lamarre, who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since April 2025. Mr. Lamarre, who led Cirque du Soleil for nearly 20 years until 2021, will resume his role as Executive Vice-President of the Board of Directors and will focus on developing Cirque du Soleil’s business globally.
A visionary leader and seasoned strategist, Mark Cornell brings extensive international experience in the entertainment, arts, and luxury goods sectors. He has led ATG Entertainment, Moët Hennessy USA, Sotheby’s Europe, and Krug Champagne, consistently demonstrating his ability to drive growth, transform organizations, and build inspiring brands.
The board of directors appointed Mr. Cornell for his recognized expertise in leading large-scale creative organizations, his strong track record of financial performance, and his ability to transform customer experiences and brands with impact. The board is confident that his strategic vision and operational excellence will be instrumental in guiding Cirque du Soleil through its next phase of growth.
“Mark Cornell embodies bold leadership and operational excellence. His arrival marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen our global reach and enrich the experience we offer to audiences around the world .” – Gabriel de Alba and Jim Murren, Co-Chairs of the Board, Cirque du Soleil Group.
Mark Cornell holds an MBA from IMD Lausanne and a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. A former British Army officer, he received several awards for his service. He is passionate about modern art, sports, and social causes.
“It is an honor to join Cirque du Soleil, an organization that is a leader in creativity and innovation. I have admired this brand for many years, not only for its artistic excellence, but also for its ability to bring cultures together and inspire audiences around the world. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in Montreal and beyond to write the next chapter of this extraordinary adventure.” – Mark Cornell, new President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Group.
Cornell will be based in Montreal, where Cirque du Soleil is headquartered, to lead the organization alongside its local and international teams.
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