Forbes has published its 2023 list of the world’s top 50 most influential CMOs, which recognises each individual’s influence on brands, businesses, culture, people and the global marketing community.
Developed in partnership with lead research partner Sprinklr, the list uses data-driven analysis from billions of inputs alongside supplemental data provided by LinkedIn to produce as accurate a result as possible.
Now in its 11th year, the list is topped by Walmart’s William White, followed by AB InBev’s Marcel Marcondes and Unilever’s Conny Braams in second and third respectively.
Rounding out the top ten are; Apple’s Greg Joswiak, Nike’s Dirk-Jan van Hameren, Netflix’s Marian Lee, Walt Disney’s Asad Ayaz, LVMH’s Mathile Delhoume-Debreu, the NFL’s Tim Ellis and Tata’s Harish Bhat.
“Changes from shifting socio-economic forecasts to those across the cultural, marketing and media landscapes globally, make the CMO’s job the most challenged in the C-suite,” Forbes CMO Network managing director, Seth Malins, said.
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“They are expected to provide certainty in a world that lacks it, and the exercise of their influence is more complicated than it’s ever been. Inclusion on this year’s list, is a testimony to their creativity and resilience.”
Alongside the list’s publication, Forbers has also revealed the 2nd class of its Hall of Fame, honouring those who have been recognised by the list for the fifth time since its inception – with McDonald’s Morgan Flatley entering this year.
The list was unveiled at a special invitation-only event at the Cannes Lions last week, run in partnership with software firm Salesforce.
Sprinklr founder and CEO, Ragy Thomas added: “We are proud to be the lead research and data partner for the Forbes 2023 World’s Most Influential CMOs list for the 7th consecutive year.
“This year’s list is based on the broadest and most comprehensive indicators used in our history to highlight the world’s top CMOs, and all they have accomplished. This year’s visionaries are shaping the future of the industry in the ways they build brand relevance, generate customer engagement, and drive the bottom line for their businesses.”
