Following the transitioning of its 3 regional Fellowship Programs into a unified Global Program in January 2026, The Marketing Academy is revealing the latest global intake. This evolution allows CMOs across the globe to collaborate with a diverse peer set spanning every continent. The programs board-level curriculum is curated specifically for CMOs, bridging the gap between marketing leadership and the requirements of CEO or broader C-Suite positions.
Following an international selection process, The Marketing Academy has confirmed the CMOs and growth executives from across the world to comprise the second of two 2026 Cohorts.
Sherilyn Shackell, Founder & Global CEO of The Marketing Academy, said; “The enthusiasm for our 2026 Global Fellowship continues to exceed our expectations. In moving the program into a single global initiative, we’ve brought a new meaning to ‘world-class’ talent. Having reviewed a remarkable breadth of leaders for this second cohort, the selection process remains a profound responsibility. Earning a seat in this cohort is a testament to an individual’s impact and welcomes them into a borderless community where leadership is refined through a global lens. We are incredibly proud to introduce this new group of Fellows.”
The 2026 Global Fellowship Program is sponsored by Salesforce, The Brandtech Group, TikTok and Omnicom and is delivered in partnership with McKinsey & Company, Marketing Leadership expert Thomas Barta & board-level coaching organization Wisdom8.
Cheryl Goh, Group Head of Marketing, Sustainability, Loyalty and Support at Grab underwent the APAC Fellowship Program in 2024 and when reflecting on her experience said; “Leadership today demands both commercial sharpness and the ability to keep learning as the world changes. My experience with The Marketing Academy Fellowship reinforced the value of surrounding yourself with ambitious peers, challenging your own thinking, and staying open to new perspectives. The calibre of the community, and the generosity with which leaders share their experience, is what makes it so powerful. I’m proud to be part of a community that is helping shape the next generation of business leaders across the region.”
The Fellows appointed for this cohort are:
Alexandra Sloane, VP Marketing & Communications, Australasia, Mastercard
Amir Widjaya, EVP Head of Marketing, Brand & Customer Experience, CIMB Niaga
Andrea Beer, APAC CMO, Taco Bell
Astrud Burgess, CMO, MD Customer Proposition, ANZ
Darragh Ryan, Marketing Director, Global Retail Travel, Bacardi Limited
Florence Paoli, Marketing Director ANZ, Reckitt
Gayatri Yadav, Group CMO & EVP Strategic Initiatives, Chairman’s Office, Reliance Industries
Hazel Pitchers, CMO IFM Investors & Founder, IFM Investors, Merakiting
Jade McKellar, CCO, Sydney Opera House
Jodie Blake, CMO, Manolo Blahnik
Julie Woods-Moss, CMO, Thoughtworks
Matthias Blume, Vice President, Alcohol Ready-to-Drink, The Coca-Cola Company, ASEAN & South Pacific Operating Unit
Meredith Kelly, CMO, Škoda Auto
Ning Li, CMO, Greater China Region, AWS
Pardeep Duggal, Marketing & Digital Director, Bupa Global
Rich Lawrence, Marketing Director, New England Seafood International
Sarthak Seth, SVP & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd
Shaifali Gurnani Nathan, Senior Director, Ads Marketing & Insights, APAC, Google
Sian Chadwick, General Manager, Marketing, ANZ
Stephanie Ng, MD, Global Head of Marketing, International Wealth & Premier Banking, HSBC
Teymur Valiyev, Chief Commercial Officer, SOCAR Azerigaz
The Global Fellowship Program curriculum encompasses the full spectrum of Board responsibilities, including corporate finance, strategy, organizational vitality, transformational change and stakeholder engagement. In addition to the academic pillars, Fellows gain access to high-level mentoring with veteran Board members and receive dedicated support from an Executive Coach throughout the duration of the program.
Admission to The Marketing Academy Global Fellowship Program remains strictly merit based. As a non-profit organisation, the program is provided at no cost to the selected Fellows, who are responsible only for their personal travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses.
