Brand Marketers Academy
Want to unlock the power of creativity for your brand and for yourself? Apply to our certificate programme for top marketing talent today.
Each year, we select 30 marketing applicants aged 30 and under from around the world. We search for talent in brand management, communications, design, media, publishing, technology and consulting.
Academy overview
Our six-day certificate programme at Cannes Lions offers you the opportunity to learn firsthand from the world’s biggest brands and leaders – including CMOs, chief strategy officers, creative directors, design directors, communication executives and media executives.
Additionally, as a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Cannes Lions Brand Marketers Academy Network and enjoy regular follow-up sessions and networking with peers around the world.
2024 Programme Themes
Discover the secrets behind building brand legacies and creating compelling campaigns. This year’s key themes are:
- The Modern Marketer – inspiration, cases and knowledge about science-based modern marketing
- Unlock the Power of Creativity – how to lead your teams and partners to unlock creativity that moves your business and society forward
- “CreAItivity” – exposure to cutting-edge thinking and approaches to use tools like AI to your advantage
- Expand Your Creative Toolkit – unlocking your potential with powerful knowledge, tools and inspiration.
Who's it for?
To join our programme, you must:
- work in marketing as a brand and marketing manager, digital marketer, marketing director, social media manager, campaign director, global digital marketing manager, campaign coordinator, communications consultant, etc.
- be aged 30 and under (born on or after 21 June 1993)
- be employed full time and have at least 2 years of full-time experience.
Please note that the programme is delivered in English. Only apply if you’re confident you’ll be able to participate in all discussions and collaborate with other programme participants.
Past Speakers
David Shing
David Shing
Fernando Machado
Fernando Machado
Helen Tiffany
Helen Tiffany
James Hurman
James Hurman
Jennifer Healan
Jennifer Healan
Jim Stengel
Jim Stengel
Katie Williams
Katie Williams
Luis Camano
Luis Camano
Maksimilian Kallhed
Maksimilian Kallhed
Marc S. Pritchard
Marc S. Pritchard
Quinnton Harris
Quinnton Harris
Suzanne Tosolini
Suzanne Tosolini
How do I apply?
To join the 2024 cohort, you’ll need to complete an application that includes:
- an essay (1000 words max.) answering the following question: What do you think is the most creative brand in the world and why?
- a video (2 minutes max.), recorded in English, telling us who you are and why you deserve a space in the Academy
- a character reference (500 words max.) by your employer, your company's talent officer, a senior executive of your company or a previous Brand Marketers Academy graduate.
Please ensure you have the funding approved to attend the 2024 Festival before applying.
To complete your application, select the Brand Marketers Academy pass and proceed to your Cannes Lions account to fill out the required information.
How much does it cost?
All applicants who purchase their pass before 28 March 2024 are eligible for the early-bird fee of €2196 + VAT. The fee for successful applicants after this date is €2745 + VAT.
If you have any questions about the Academies, please contact academies@canneslions.com.
Please note, applications have now closed for 2024. Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about opportunities and how to apply in 2025.
Academy Dean
Fernando Machado
Operating Partner, Garnett Station Partners
Senior Marketing Advisor, NotCo
Board Member, Braze
Fernando Machado is a visionary global marketer with a passion for cultivating brands and driving business growth. He firmly believes in that creativity can be a source of competitive advantage. Over the years, he has garnered a distinguished reputation for himself and the brands he's helmed, focusing on distinct propositions, innovation, design, and strategic marketing approach. Fernando currently serves as an Operating Partner at Garnett Station Partners (GSP), as senior marketing advisor at NotCo and as board member at Braze. GSP is a private equity group with around $2 billion in investment on brands in the fastfood, pet care, and service industries. NotCo is a unicorn startup that utilizes a proprietary artificial intelligence technology which matches animal proteins to their ideal replacements among thousands of plant-based ingredients. Fernando is also a board member at Braze (consumer engagement platform company valued in more than $5.5 billion). Before taking his current roles, Fernando spent two years as the Chief Marketing Officer at Activision Blizzard. He spearheaded marketing initiatives for iconic titles in the gaming industry, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Candy Crush, among others.
Prior to his tenure at Activision, Fernando dedicated 7 years to Restaurant Brands International, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing brands such as Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons. His efforts focused on infusing purpose, sustainability, improved product quality, modernized design, and championing tech, digital, and brand development across the organization.
Fernando's expertise is rooted in his distinguished 18-year tenure at Unilever. His journey began as an intern, and he climbed the ranks across diverse product categories and brands. Notably, he led groundbreaking initiatives, including Dove's revolutionary 'Real Beauty Sketches'.
Having an opportunity to learn from the legends of the creative industry in the intimate space of the Academy is invaluable and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I received answers to brewing questions that I was carrying with me for years. It’s intense. It’s emotional. It’s unimaginably insightful and inspiring. In a matter of one week, our cohort bonded like many people wouldn’t in years
Kateryna Kononenko
Senior Marketing Manager
Zego