European CMOs elect Julia Goldin as CMO 2026
25 June 2026The European CMO of the Year award was presented for the first time this year. The initiative was launched by Serviceplan Group, an international partner of Group One, and aims to recognize chief marketing officers (CMOs) who set standards in cross-border marketing leadership in Europe. Its inaugural winner was Julia Goldin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at the LEGO Group.
The European CMO of the Year award was presented for the first time in 2026. The selection process is carried out by the marketing community itself, and is overseen and academically verified by the University of St. Gallen.
During Julia Goldin’s management of the LEGO Group, the company significantly expanded its presence in the worlds of entertainment, sports, and gaming. Collaborations with franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, and Fortnite, as well as global campaigns around Formula 1 and football, increased the brand’s reach and attracted new audiences. Furthermore, projects like “She Built That” reflect her commitment to combining creativity with inclusivity.
In the first stage, over 800 marketing leaders from 15 European countries and regions nominated the chief marketing officers who they believe define the standards of modern leadership. From the resulting shortlist, marketing chiefs participating in the CMO Barometer survey ultimately chose Julia Goldin as the first-ever European CMO of the Year.
The award ceremony took place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – one of the most important global events for the creative and marketing industries. The event gathered over 100 leading chief marketing officers from across Europe, as well as representatives from business, media, academia, and partners of the awards.
Creation / Production
Media
Technology sales & implementation
Build e-commerce stores
Analytics/Research
Gaming & e-sport
Inclusive Marketing





