Mark Cornell Takes the Helm as President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Cirque du Soleil Welcomes Mark Cornell as New CEO

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has unveiled a significant change in leadership with the appointment of Mark Cornell as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 17, 2025. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the renowned entertainment company as it looks to expand its global presence and enhance audience engagement under Cornell's stewardship.

Cornell succeeds Daniel Lamarre, who stepped in as interim CEO in April 2025. Lamarre previously led Cirque for nearly two decades, leaving behind a legacy of growth and innovation. Following his departure from the CEO role, he will resume his position as Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board, focusing on business development initiatives across the globe.

Mark Cornell brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held various senior leadership positions in high-profile companies like ATG Entertainment, Moët Hennessy USA, Sotheby's Europe, and Krug Champagne. His ability to drive organizational growth and create compelling brand narratives has been a hallmark of his career, making him an ideal choice to lead Cirque du Soleil in its next chapter.

The decision to appoint Cornell was made by the Board of Directors, who highlighted his proven track record in leading creative organizations and delivering strong financial results. They expressed confidence in his visionary leadership to propel Cirque du Soleil into an exciting period of growth, focusing on audience experience and brand evolution.

Gabriel de Alba and Jim Murren, Co-Chairmen of the Board, commented on the appointment, stating, "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."

Cornell holds an MBA from IMD Lausanne and has a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. His background includes serving as a British Army officer, where he earned multiple commendations for his service. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cornell is known for his passion for modern art, sports, and various social causes.

In expressing his excitement about the role, Cornell remarked, "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."

As he prepares to assume his new responsibilities, Cornell will relocate to Montreal, which serves as the international headquarters for Cirque du Soleil. His leadership is expected to empower the diverse teams within the organization as they continue to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has established itself as a leader in live entertainment, captivating audiences for over four decades. The company has consistently pushed creative boundaries, offering an array of artistic experiences, including live shows, multimedia productions, and immersive events. Since its inception in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has inspired over 400 million people across six continents and in 86 countries.

Employing nearly 4,000 staff members, including 1,200 artists from more than 80 nationalities, Cirque's influence extends well beyond its performances. With recent expansions through acquisitions, such as the Blue Man Group and other entertainment ventures, the company is firmly positioned to explore new horizons in the world of performance art.

As Cornell steps into this critical leadership role, the future looks bright for Cirque du Soleil, with the potential for new artistic projects and an even stronger global reach. The entertainment industry eagerly anticipates the innovative directions in which this iconic brand will venture under his guidance.