Cannes Lions X Brand Innovators Brand Marketer Academy US Edition

Marc Sternberg, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Brand Innovators

Steve Latham, Global Head of Strategic Initiatives, LIONS

Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Beverages United States, PepsiCo

Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Beverages US, PepsiCo

Moderated by: Chris Winburn, EVP, Head of US Sales, Innovid by Mediaocean

Rob Reilly, Global Chief Creative Officer, WPP

Moderated by: Suzanne Powers, Founder and Co-CEO of All&

Nicolas Piris, Global Head of Strategy & Client Marketing, Bloomberg Media

An interactive and reflective workshop combining guided discussion, journaling, and practical exercises to help nominees build confidence, navigate meaningful conversations with senior leaders, and authentically stand out in mentor and networking settings.

Luis Di Como, Acclaimed Global Marketing, Media & Digital Transformational Leader

Suzanne Powers, Founder and Co-CEO, All&

Jaime Robinson, Founder, New Venture in Development

A panel of Chief Marketing Officers share their career journeys, challenges, and lessons learned, and how to build and maintain your personal brand along the way. This session will inspire attendees with real-world insights into leadership and growth in marketing.

Lou Arbetter, Vice President, Chief Creative Officer at PepsiCo Beverages US, PepsiCo

Alex Frias, Chief Marketing Officer, Steve Madden

Jess Grigoriou, Senior Vice President Marketing, Condiments, Unilever

Katie Williams, Chief Marketing Officer, The J.M. Smucker Co.

Moderated by: Heather Bollinger, Chief Revenue Officer, Vurvey

Robby Rigano, Executive & Team Coach

An interactive mentor-mentor session designed to align on the goals, format, and spirit of the mentorship experience while creating space for mentors to reflect, connect, and prepare for meaningful conversations with nominees.

Luis Di Como, Acclaimed Global Marketing, Media & Digital Transformational Leader

A dedicated block pairing nominees with their mentors for a quick check in and personalized career insights.

A dynamic networking experience bringing together mentors, partners, and nominees for guided, cross-generational conversations over cocktails designed to spark meaningful connections, shared perspectives, and authentic relationship building across the community.

An opportunity for everyone to come together over dinner to celebrate the day’s conversations, connections, and shared commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.

Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Beverages US, PepsiCo

Dr. Marcus Collins, Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Steve McGowan, Senior Director, US Consumer Experience (CX), Mondelez

Jeremy Ruiz, Executive Creative Director, VML

Christina Ryan, VP, Group Director, VML

Coodie & Chike, Acclaimed award-winning directors, filmmakers, and producer duo

Ross Martin, President & Co-founder, Known

A candid conversation exploring how modern brands navigate culture, trends, creators, and consumer behavior in real time while balancing speed, authenticity, creativity, and long-term brand building.

Kevin Tolson, Head of Dove and Shea Moisture, Deodorants, Unilever

Carmen Vasile, SVP, Global Corporate Brands & Creative Excellence, PepsiCo

Luis Di Como, Acclaimed Global Marketing, Media & Digital Transformational Leader