Many CMOs already know: The Marketing Academy CMO Fellowship is one of the top leadership programs out there. And here’s the thing—it’s closing soon.
The big idea? Turning marketing leaders into future CEOs.
A great CEO knows how to shape the future—spotting opportunities, understanding commercial drivers, and mastering what customers crave. But they also need guts. To take risks and lead. That’s what this program offers: a crash course in board-level thinking, designed to help you run the whole show one day.
This isn’t your average program. It’s free, part-time, and only open to a select few. If you make the cut, you’re getting world-class board-level executive training.
Why bother applying for the CMO Fellowship?
You can’t buy your way in. If you’re chosen, it’s because you’re one of the best. And we only pick 25 people a year. You’ll build strong connections with other top marketing minds. If CEO, President, or broader executive roles are in your future, this program is the fast track. 57% of alumni have moved to CEO or bigger roles. 32% have leveled up in their CMO careers. Sherilyn Shackell, my McKinsey colleagues and I sketched the first program out in 2012. Now, over 350 top marketers have gone through it. Tough to get in, yes—but absolutely worth it, as you’ll get:
- An all-encompassing curriculum by McKinsey, packed into three residential events covering everything a CEO needs.
- A leadership journey from CMO to CEO led by Thomas Barta (me), McKinsey, and The Marketing Academy.
- Executive coaching, one-on-one, from Wisdom8 pros.
- Personal mentoring from high-profile board chairs, CEOs, and influencers.
- Peer learning with elite global business leaders.
- 12 months of access for you and your team to The Marketing Academy Global Virtual Campus—18 masterclasses and lectures, delivered online.
Want in? Here’s what it takes
Heads up: The CMO Fellowship is for client-side CMOs only. You’ve got to attend all three in-person residentials in Europe. We’re offering 25 spots for the best CMOs and top marketing leaders:
- You’re at the top—leading marketing, growth, or commercial teams at a major marketing-first company. Titles like CMO, Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Growth Officer, or something similar.
- You report to the president, CEO, or EVP.
- You’re running large teams and controlling serious budgets with full P&L responsibility.
- You’ve got 15+ years in leadership—most of it in marketing and commercial.
- Your sights are set on CEO or executive board-level positions.
- You’ve led beyond marketing.
- You’re staying in your role throughout the program.
- You’ve built a strong reputation in the industry.
- You can travel to Europe for all in-person sessions. It takes around 12 days in total.
Applications close November 4, 2025. Are you in?
