Personal excellence
1. At least two years in their current role as Chief Marketing Officer
2. Strategic responsibility for marketing activities in at least four European countries
The European "CMO of the Year" honours excellent European marketing – by CMOs for CMOs.
International, exclusive and visionary, it sets benchmarks for a united Europe with strengthened economic power.
As a high-profile platform for exchange across borders and long-term growth, it will reinforce the strategic role of European CMOs.
Europe’s CMOs Select Julia Goldin as European CMO of the Year 2026
Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the LEGO Group, has been named the first-ever winner of the newly established European CMO of the Year award. The accolade, awarded by Europe’s marketing community, was presented during a ceremony held alongside the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Impressions of the European CMO of the Year Award 2026
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"Julia Goldin sets the benchmark for modern marketing leadership in Europe: strategic, creative and culturally relevant. She has transformed the LEGO brand far beyond its product category into a cultural icon, demonstrating how brands today can drive both growth and relevance.”
Prof. Dr. Sven Reinecke
Director of the Institute of Marketing and Customer Insight at the University of St. Gallen
“Marketing is one of the most important drivers of growth and business success. Today, it influences the entire customer journey, from initial awareness to the final purchase decision. As a result, marketing contributes more directly and more measurably to business performance than ever before. With the European CMO of the Year Award, we want to recognise the achievements of the people who make this impact possible.”
Florian Haller
CEO
Serviceplan Group
Our mission
To strengthen the marketing community across national borders
To encourage international knowledge sharing
To recognise exceptional achievements
ABOUT THE AWARD
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...for European Marketing Leadership!
Despite the many marketing awards out there, so far there have been none that specifically honour European marketing managers.
The European "CMO of the Year" is filling this gap and acknowledging top individual achievements in marketing on a European level.
The 2026 award was presented in Cannes on June 22, 2026.
Selection criteria
In order to be nominated for the European "CMO of the Year", candidates have to meet the following criteria:
Company profile
1. Representation of a brand with significant global relevance
2. Proven visibility in Europe’s most important core markets
Selection process
#1
Finalists are selected by a high-profile jury of top, international CMOs
#2
Announcement of the CMO Shortlist in Europe
#3
Award presented at the European CMO Award Night
Shortlist
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Yvonne Wicht & Alessandra Sciacovelli
"European CMO of the Year" Award
Let's get in touch!