LIONS and Brand Innovators launch Brand Marketer Academy North America Series
business marketing
MTE
Published on : May 12, 2026
12 May 2026 - LIONS and Brand Innovators have announced a new strategic partnership to launch The Brand Marketer Academy North AmericaSeries, a multi-city learning programme designed to fast-track the careers of high-potential client-side marketers.?
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Building on the global success of the Brand Marketer Academy, the North America Series brings the established Cannes Lions programme into key markets in the region, delivering an intensive two-day experience that combines world-class content, practical leadership development, and powerful peer connection.?
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Launching in 2026, the programme will run in the US cities of New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. Beyond the dedicated programmes, participants will have access to year-round learning, connections and career development through the LIONS brand.?
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Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “The Brand Marketing Academy, launched in 2011, has helped shape the careers of hundreds of marketers globally. The North American Series is designed to extend the impact of our established Academies – meeting talent where they are, and delivering locally relevant learning while maintaining the global perspective and creative ambition LIONS is known for. We look forward to taking the Academy experience to the US and meeting the future CMOs of our industry.”
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Bringing the calibre of LIONS content and speakers into an intimate classroom setting, the Academy equips marketers to navigate an increasingly complex landscape, where creativity, performance, technology and culture must work collaboratively. Participants will engage with senior industry leaders, explore real-world case studies and build lasting professional networks within their city and across the wider LIONS community.?
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Each City Edition is designed for rising brand leaders with up to seven years’ experience. There is no fee to attend; however, participants must be nominated by their senior marketing leadership team, ensuring a curated cohort of high-potential talent.?
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Marc Sternberg, Co-Founder, Brand Innovators, added: “Since 2011, Brand Innovators has partnered with Cannes Lions to create meaningful connections and learning opportunities for brand leaders. Our partnership with LIONS allows us to bring a globally respected learning platform into cities where marketers are hungry for practical, career-defining development.”
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The first edition will be hosted by PepsiCo in New York on 1 and 2 June 2026 led by Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo Beverages US. Mark leads brand strategy and marketing across the core soft drinks portfolio including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Starry, Bubly and Mug. A 15-year PepsiCo veteran with extensive global leadership experience, he has driven international growth, led major global partnerships including the UEFA Champions League, and built award-winning brand and innovation programmes across multiple markets. Further details on programme content, speakers and applications will be announced in the coming weeks. ?
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Since launching in 2011, the Brand Marketing Academy has supported over 450 graduates worldwide, many of whom have gone on to become CMOs, founders and award-winning marketing leaders. The launch of Brand Marketer Academy North America Series marks the next evolution of the programme, expanding access while maintaining its selective, high-impact approach. ?
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About Informa
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Informa PLC is a leading international B2B events, digital services and academic research group. ?
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We champion specialists. Through hundreds of market-leading brands, we connect people with knowledge so they can learn more, know more and do more.
We operate in over 30 countries and serve businesses and professionals working in over a dozen specialist markets.
Informa is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.?
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About Brand Innovators
?Brand Innovators, LLC is a leading community and platform dedicated to advancing innovation in marketing and brand strategy. Through a robust calendar of events, thought leadership, and curated experiences, Brand Innovators connects senior-level marketers from the world’s most influential brands with the technologies and ideas shaping the future.?
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The company fosters meaningful collaboration across industries, empowering executives to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape with confidence. With a global footprint and a commitment to driving impactful conversations, Brand Innovators serves as a trusted resource for insights, inspiration, and connection at the intersection of creativity, data, and technology.?
