The Global Fellowship Program
The Fellowship Program is a world-class, part-time executive leadership program designed exclusively for a select group of senior client-side CMOs and commercial growth leaders, and is a launchpad for those destined to step into main board positions or the CEO role.
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, designed and delivered in partnership with McKinsey & Company is a highly exclusive, free, part-time program giving a select group of exceptional CMOs & marketing leaders a unique board-level executive development experience.
The program is designed to provide CMOs with access to board-level thinking and development in all elements of Board stewardship, ensuring that marketing leaders accelerate their knowledge and experience to take on a future CEO or broader main board role.
Exceptional learning, lasting impact
WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAM EXCEPTIONAL?
Fellowship places cannot be bought and are awarded following a competitive selection process ensuring the highest calibre of delegates and the richest breadth of diversity of backgrounds. Acceptance on the program is intentionally selective and the calibre bar of Fellows is set unapologetically high.
EXCLUSIVE ACCEPTANCE
A maximum of 60 Fellowship places are awarded each year (across 2 cohorts) 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 / broader main board role this program will give you the tools you need.
THE POWER OF THE PEER GROUP
Fellows join one of two highly curated cohorts with 30 exceptional CMOs and growth leaders from across the globe. Each individual is hand-picked not only for their credentials but for the distinctiveness of their perspective; different markets, industries, cultures, and life experiences. The group dynamic becomes one of the most valuable assets of the program. This is where the world’s CMOs learn from each other, surrounded by peers who challenge, expand, and elevate each other.
GLOBAL TEACHING FACULTY
The curriculum includes sessions with the best board-level experts in the world, each sharing their knowledge in a highly confidential setting.
OUR IMPACT
The Numbers Speak
57 %
of Fellowship Alumni progress into CEO, President or broader main board roles after completing the program.
32 %
of Fellowship Alumni transition into larger and higher impact CMO positions post program completion.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
THE CURRICULUM
Attendance to 2x 4-day immersive ‘Residential’s’ plus a 1-day ‘Virtual Session’ during which delegates experience:
Board Stewardship
Developed & delivered by McKinsey & Company, the Knowledge curriculum includes Corporate Finance/M&A, Decision Making for CEOs, Building High Performing Boards, Organisational Health, Business Transformation, Shareholder/Stakeholder influencing and more.
Leadership Immersion: CMO To CEO
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
Fellows benefit from first-hand perspectives shared by executives currently operating at board level, offering practical advice and honest insight into the realities of senior leadership.
Board-level executive coaching
One-on-one partnerships with an Executive Coach, selected by Wisdom8 and experienced at the top tier of leadership.
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.
Applicants must submit:
1. Completed Application Form
2. Full CV/Resume (PDF) OR a PDF of your LinkedIn profile
3. Written Employer Endorsement (preferably from CEO) (PDF or Word)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a conversation with a member of our Selection Panel. Those selected will be invited to join the program.
the program structure
THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM IS DELIVERED IN TWO REGIONAL COHORTS
COHORT 1 – Events take place in Europe/UK/US (TBC)
COHORT 2 – Events take place in APAC
Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of country of residence but must commit to attend both Residential dates of their chosen cohort.
1
COHORT 1:
EMEA & USA
APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR 2026
Application Deadline: 3rd November 2025
Selection Panel: 17th November to 24th November 2025
Selection Decision: w/c 8th December 2025
PROGRAM DATES*
Residential 1: Feb 23–27 | Kitzbühel, Austria
Virtual Day: June 10
Residential 2: Sept 7–11 | UK or USA (TBC)
* Full attendance at all events is mandatory
2
COHORT 2:
APAC
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2026
Application Deadline: 30th March 2026
Selection Panel: April 7th to April 17th 2026
Selection Decision: w/c 20th April 2026
PROGRAM DATES*
Residential 1: May 25 – 29 | Sydney, Australia
Virtual Day: July 22nd
Residential 2: Nov 23 – 27 | Mumbai, India
* 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 ideally a minimum 5 years in the top seat. Note that flexibility tenure may be considered for candidates with exceptional track records
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 more senior board-level role critical to company’s growth
Have non marketing leadership during past career
Enjoy a proven reputation within the marketing industry
Be employed on a permanent basis with no known risk of termination, resignation or redundancy 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.
Investment in your future
PROGRAM COSTS
In line with our founding principles, The Marketing Academy delivers the Fellowship Program free of charge.
Delegates cover only their 8 nights accommodation along with breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners & beverages for all Residentials.
These expenses are invoiced to the delegate or their company (at cost), by The Marketing Academy, upon acceptance to the program: £2,900 GBP / €2,900 EURO / $3,900 USD / $5,800 AUD (Inclusive of all meals, beverages, tips and service charges).
Delegates are also required to arrange and pay for their own flights and transfers to and from the residential venues.
APPLY TO THE global fellowship PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026 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.
ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM ARE DELIVERED BY:
