Our future marketing leaders highlight the depth of talent in the industry
Welcome to this, the second annual Future Marketing Leaders list, sponsored by Digitas.
The objective is the same in 2024 as in 2023 – to recognise emerging talent in UK marketing. And to celebrate their achievements in delivering impact.
What’s different is the size of this year’s cohort. We have doubled the number on the list to present 20 marketers making a mark in their organisations and beyond.
The decision to extend the list is testament to the depth and breadth of talent in UK marketing. This year, as last, we asked the marketing leaders chosen for Marketing Week’s Top 100 and other notable and discerning figures in marketing to nominate someone on the rise. Someone who has achieved much and has the potential to achieve more. Someone who has already had a big impact on their brand and will likely do so on the industry over the coming years. And we were so overwhelmed by the quality of what we received, it felt right to acknowledge more individuals.
The final 20 have been chosen for their contribution to their business, their influence in driving change in their organisation, and their commitment to raising the status and stature of marketing.
Practically, to be considered they needed to have been in marketing for a maximum of 15 years, be in a brand side role and not be the most senior marketer in their business. But more important than that is their potential to be marketing leaders of tomorrow.
Matt Holt, chief strategy officer of our partner Digitas, puts it nicely in his assessment: "As champions of forward-thinking talent, we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Marketing Week on the Future Marketing Leaders list. The individuals recognised this year have already made a significant impact, demonstrating exceptional vision and delivering tangible results across their brands. Congratulations to all who made the list - we’re excited to see how you will continue to shape the future of our industry."
You can see the list here, where you can find out more about their careers to date, and more than that, their thoughts on the marketing world, what’s now and what’s next, and their advice for the next cohort of Future Marketing Leaders.
It’s difficult to summarise the thoughts of 20 marketers from very different categories and sectors but indulge me while I try: Excitement about the possibility that technology brings, but still very aware of its limitations. Curious about new means to execute, but sober about the role of fundamentals.
It is perhaps unfair to highlight one person from the list, but Emily Laws of Lucky Saint sums the above up brilliantly when she says: “People value ‘newness’, but at Lucky Saint we talk about 'fresh consistency', always adding something new so our loyal consumers stay engaged, but never straying from our core brand.” The same but different, in other words. Tomorrow’s marketing leaders are as aware of fundamentals as they are the need to lean into change.
Join me in congratulating our class of 2024.
Russell Parsons
Editor-in-Chief
Marketing Week
