Cirque du Soleil Appoints Mark Cornell As President & CEO

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group announced the appointment of Mark Cornell as president and chief executive officer, effective Nov. 17, 2025.

He succeeds Daniel Lamarre, who has served as interim CEO since April 2025. Mr. Lamarre, who led Cirque du Soleil for nearly 20 years until 2021, will return to his role as executive vice-chairman of the board, and will focus on business development for Cirque du Soleil globally.

“A visionary leader and seasoned strategist, Mark Cornell brings extensive international experience across the entertainment, arts, and luxury consumer goods sectors,” the press announcement states.

Cornell has held senior leadership roles at ATG Entertainment, Moët Hennessy USA, Sotheby’s Europe, and Krug Champagne, consistently demonstrating his ability to drive growth, transform organizations, and build inspiring brands.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group’s board of directors appointed Cornell “for his proven ability to lead creative organizations at scale, his track record of delivering strong financial performance, and his deep understanding of audience experience and brand development.”

The board believes “his strategic vision and operational excellence will be instrumental in guiding Cirque du Soleil into its next phase of global growth.”

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Gabriel de Alba and Jim Murren, co-chairmen of the board, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, stated in a joint comment: “Mark Cornell embodies bold leadership and operational excellence. His arrival marks an important milestone in our ambition to strengthen our global reach and enrich the experience we offer to audiences worldwide.”

Mark Cornell holds an MBA from IMD Lausanne and a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. A former British Army officer, he has received multiple commendations for his service. He is passionate about modern art, sports, and social causes.

“It is an honour to join Cirque du Soleil, a global icon of creativity and innovation. I have admired this brand for many years, not only for its artistic excellence, but for its ability to connect cultures and inspire audiences around the world. I am excited to collaborate with the talented teams in Montreal and across the globe to write the next chapter of this extraordinary journey,” said the incoming president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Cornell will relocate to Montreal, home to Cirque du Soleil’s international headquarters, to lead the organization alongside its local and global teams.

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