Inside the Minds of Senior Marketing Leaders: A Year in Q&As
This year’s Q&A video series has offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the perspectives of senior leaders and influential figures shaping today’s marketing landscape. Across 25 in-depth conversations, this year’s series has highlighted the realities of leadership at the highest level – spotlighting the strategic priorities, personal mindsets, and lived experiences that guide CMOs, Directors, and industry figures as they navigate constant change.
A consistent theme throughout the interviews has been the evolving nature of marketing itself. Guests reflected on the shift toward data-driven decision-making, the rise of customer-centricity to elevate brand experience, and the growing expectation for marketing leaders to act as catalysts for cross-functional collaboration. Many shared defining career moments, from launching breakthrough campaigns to steering teams through periods of uncertainty, offering practical lessons for anyone aspiring to senior leadership.
Another powerful thread woven across the series was the importance of mindset. Leaders spoke openly about how they build resilience – whether through mentorship, continuous learning, or creating space for themselves to thrive. They emphasised the value of leading with empathy, fostering inclusive environments, and championing the wellbeing of their teams.
Looking ahead, our guests identified several priorities for the next 12–24 months: adapting to rapid technological change, elevating brand purpose, and developing future-fit marketing talent. For marketers aiming for CMO or Director-level roles, these conversations serve as a roadmap, highlighting not only what to focus on, but also how to think, communicate, and lead.
Below is a full roundup of all 25 Q&A sessions from the year’s series, which we hope will inspire you for the year ahead.
Ali Hanan, Founder and CEO, Creative Equals
Ali Jones, Chief Customer Officer
Amber Kirby, Brand, Marketing and CX Director
Caroline Webb, Chief Marketing Officer
Charlotte Langley, Chief Marketing Officer
Daryl Fielding, Portfolio NED and Co-Founder of The Marketing Academy Foundation
Dunke Afe, Portfolio Non Executive Director & Senior Marketing Leader
Gamze Oztoygar Masia, Global Product and Innovation Director
Ifeoma Jibunoh, Group Chief Marketing Officer, SVP, Cassava Technologies
Ivo van den Brand, Global CMO
Johnny Morris, Global Marketing Leader
Jon Lombardo, Co-Founder, Evidenza
Lisa Bond, Executive Marketing Consultant and Advisor
Mark Hull, Chief Marketing Officer
Mays Elansari, Senior Marketing Director
Rachael Brown, Marketing Director
Rebecca Hirst, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer UK, EY
Richard Sherwood, Chief Marketing Officer
Sabina Jasinska, Chief Marketing Officer
Sal Miller, Marketing Director/CMO
Sarah Booth, Global Marketing Director, Ancient + Brave
Sarah Dunn, Fractional CMO
Simon Lloyd, Chief Marketing and Customer Officer
Sophie Devonshire, Chief Executive Officer, The Marketing Society
Stephi Brett-Lee, Marketing Director
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a specialist headhunting firm dedicated to finding exceptional interim and permanent senior marketing, digital, and technology leaders for both B2C and B2B organisations. We partner with FTSE 350 and private equity–backed companies, recruiting for roles at Head, Director and Chief (C-suite) level.
If you’re ready to make your next move, we regularly post new opportunities on our LinkedIn company page. If you apply for a role on the platform, it requires a 1st connection for us to respond, so please make sure to connect with Suzie Walker. Our company page is also frequently updated with the latest hiring news, expert interviews, and candidate guidance, so well worth following.
