The Global Fellowship Program
The Global Fellowship Program is a world-class, part-time executive development program designed exclusively for a select group of seasoned, brand-side CMOs and commercial growth leaders. It is a launchpad for those destined for CEO or broader board roles.
THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP IS SPONSORED BY:
Designed and Delivered with McKinsey & Company
THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM?
The Marketing Academy Global Fellowship Program is a world-class executive development experience for top CMOs, designed and delivered in partnership with McKinsey & Company. The power lies not just in the curriculum but in the curation of an elite global cohort of marketing leaders. A maximum of 60 Fellowship places are awarded each year across two cohorts, enabling deep and meaningful relationship-building with peers from around the world. This is a transformational experience that few will ever access.
The Global Fellowship Program is a launchpad for those destined to step into the CEO role or a senior board role. This program doesn’t just prepare you for the next step – it redefines where the top of the ladder is.
Exceptional learning, lasting impact
WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAM EXCEPTIONAL?
Fellowship places cannot be bought and selection is entirely merit-based. Admission is by invitation only, following a rigorous selection process and the bar is set intentionally high.
EXCLUSIVE ACCEPTANCE
Entry to The Global Fellowship is competitive and limited to 30 places per cohort, enabling deep and meaningful relationship-building with peers from around the world.
FOR CMOS WITH CEO AMBITIONS
If your career ambition is to move toward CEO, President or a broader board role, this program will give you the tools you need.
THE POWER OF THE PEER GROUP
Cohorts are highly curated, hand-picked not just for credentials but for diversity of thought & perspective gained across markets, industries, cultures and lived experience. This makes it one of the programs most valuable assets.
GLOBAL TEACHING FACULTY
The curriculum is packed with sessions delivered by the most experienced board-level thinkers & experts from around the world, each generously sharing their knowledge in a highly confidential setting.
OUR IMPACT
The Numbers Speak
57 %
of Fellowship Alumni have moved into CEO or broader board roles after completing the program.
32 %
of Fellowship Alumni have been promoted or moved into bigger CMO roles post-program completion.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
THE CURRICULUM
The Global Fellowship requires a time commitment of circa 11 days during the year. It includes:
Two 4-day immersive residentials and one virtual day, featuring:
Board Stewardship Curriciulum
Developed & delivered by McKinsey & Company, the curriculum covers corporate Finance/M&A, Decision Making for CEOs, Building High-Performing Boards, Organisational Health, Business Transformation, and Shareholder/Stakeholder Influence.
CMO-to-CEO Leadership Immersion
A powerful journey led by Thomas Barta, Global Dean of The Fellowship, alongside The Marketing Academy Faculty, McKinsey & Company and industry experts.
Unparalleled Peer Exchange
A confidential environment of openness, trust, and challenge among equally driven leaders.
Between the residential events, delegates also receive:
Direct insight and guidance from those already occupying the seats Fellows aspire to
Mentoring by global Board Chairs and CEOs, offering practical advice and honest insight into the realities of senior leadership.
Board-level executive coaching
One-on-one partnerships with accredited executive coaches, led by Wisdom8.
An additional benefit of selection to the Fellowship Program:
Team access to the Marketing Academy Virtual Campus
Extending the development journey to your wider team through a 12-month online learning platform.
PROGRAM GUIDE
DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM GUIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Apply to the global fellowship program
Application and Program Key Information
Entry is competitive and limited to 30 places per cohort.
Places cannot be bought and selection is entirely merit-based.
Applicants must submit:
1. Completed Application Form
2. Full CV/resume or your LinkedIn profile
3. Written Employer Endorsement (preferably from CEO)
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a panel conversation prior to final selection.
the program structure
THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM IS DELIVERED IN TWO COHORTS A YEAR
COHORT 1 – Includes residentials in the United Kingdom and United States
COHORT 2 – Includes residentials in the United Kingdom and Asia
Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of their country of residence but must commit to attending both residential dates and the virtual day of their chosen cohort. Full attendance at all events is mandatory.
1
COHORT 1
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Application Deadline: Friday 27 November 2026
Selection Panel: Friday 4 – Friday 11 December 2026
Selection Decision: w/c 14 December 2026
PROGRAM DATES*
Residential 1: Evening of 21 – 25 February 2027 | United Kingdom
Virtual Day: 9 June 2027
Residential 2: Evening of 13 – 17 September 2027 | United States (city TBD)
* Full attendance at all events is mandatory
2
COHORT 2
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Application Deadline: Friday 27 November 2026
Selection Panel: Friday 4 – Friday 11 December 2026
Selection Decision: w/c 14 December 2026
PROGRAM DATES*
Residential 1: Evening of 22 – 26 February 2027 | United Kingdom
Virtual Day: 21 July 2027
Residential 2: Evening of 1 – 5 November 2027 | Asia (city TBD)
* Full attendance at all events is mandatory
THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
THE SELECTION CRITERIA
Admission is by invitation only, following a selection process and the bar is set intentionally high.
YOU MUST:
Be the most senior marketing or growth leader (e.g. CMO, CGO, CCO) in a client-side brand*
Have 20+ years track record in marketing or commercial roles, with at least 5 years in the top seat.**
Report directly to CEO, President or Board Executive
Be leading large teams, manage significant budgets, and hold (or have held) full P&L accountability
Have a clear career ambition to become a CEO or to hold a broader board role critical to company’s growth
Enjoy a proven reputation within the marketing industry
Be employed on a permanent basis with no known risk of termination or resignation for the duration of the program
Be fluent in English and able to attend all program dates in full (for chosen cohort)
* The Fellowship Program is not designed for leaders within creative or media agencies.
** Flexibility on tenure may be considered for candidates with exceptional track records.
Investment in your future
COSTS
In line with our founding principles, The Marketing Academy delivers The Global Fellowship Program at no cost to Fellows. Places are earned not bought.
Delegates cover only their 8 nights’ accommodation and F&B invoiced at cost by The Marketing Academy upon acceptance.
The cost is: £3,100 GBP / €3,600 EUR / $4,100 USD / $5,950 AUD (inclusive of all meals, beverages, tips, local taxes and service charges where required).
Delegates also arrange and pay for their own flights and transfers.
APPLY TO THE global fellowship PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2027 ARE OPEN.
Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of country of residence, but must commit to attend both Residential dates & the Virtual day of their chosen cohort. Attendance is mandatory and a condition of acceptance onto the program.
