Brand Africa has launched the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), a definitive ranking recognising the most influential marketing and brand leaders across Africa and its global diaspora. While the list spans over 20 countries, South African CMOs stand out as key drivers of brand innovation, strategy, and consumer engagement on the continent.
Recognising Marketing Excellence
The ACMO100 spotlights 100 senior marketing leaders selected based on impact, strategic leadership, and ability to connect brands with consumers. This reflects the growing role of CMOs as not just marketers, but core business leaders influencing growth, reputation, and long-term brand equity.
South Africa’s strong representation in the list reinforces its position as a leading hub for marketing excellence, with local CMOs shaping some of the continent’s most recognisable and trusted brands.
South African CMOs Leading the Narrative
Southern Africa, led by South Africa accounts for the largest share of honourees, highlighting the country’s depth of marketing talent.
Among the standout South African leaders recognised on the list are:
- Abey Mokgwatsane – CMO, Investec
- Alison Hastings Badenhorst – CMO, Rand Merchant Bank
- Andisa Ntsubane – Managing Executive: Brand Marketing & Comms Africa, Vodacom
- Andrea Quaye – Marketing Director, Heineken
- Beyers Van De Merwe – CMO, Pep
- Bronwyn Pretorius – CMO, Ackermans
- Bunmi Adeniba – Senior Marketing Director, Coca-Cola
- Chantal Sombonos-Van Tonder – Marketing Director, Chicken Licken
- Doug Place – Global Chief Growth Officer, United Exports
- Dudu Mokholo – CMO, Pernod Ricard
- Faye Mfikwe – CMO, FNB
- Firoze Bhorat – CMO, Discovery Limited
- Francois Viviers – Group Executive: Marketing & Communications, Capitec Bank
- Gugu Mthembu – CMO, Telkom
- Happy Ngidi – CMO, Proudly South African
- Ilze Bylos – CMO, Shoprite Group
- Jessica Motaung – Marketing & Commercial Director, Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Khensani Nobanda – CMO, Nedbank
- Lorraine De Graaf – Marketing Director, Tiger Brands
- Lucia Maseko – Marketing Director, Nike
- Mmaphuti Rankapole – CMO, Brand South Africa
- Mosala Phillips – CMO, Old Mutual Limited
- Mphothe Elizabeth Mokwena – Executive Marketing Director, Unilever
- Mzamo Masito – Chief Opportunity Officer, Canva
- Nontokozo Madonsela – Group Chief Marketing Officer, Momentum Metropolitan Holdings
- Sithembile Ndaba – CMO, South African Tourism
- Sydney Nhlanhla Mbhele – CMO, Absa Group
- Thabang Ramogase – CMO, Standard Bank Group / Liberty
- Vaughan Croeser – Vice President Marketing, AB InBev
- Vilosha Soni – CMO, PepsiCo
- Vuyokazi Henda – CMO & Executive Director, Spur
These leaders are at the forefront of:
- Digital transformation and innovation
- Customer-centric brand strategies
- Integrated marketing across platforms
- Building trust in highly competitive markets
Their ability to balance global best practices with local relevance continues to position South Africa as a leader in brand and marketing excellence.
Women Driving Marketing Leadership
A standout insight from the ACMO100 is that 62% of the honourees are women, with strong representation from South Africa. Leaders such as Khensani Nobanda, Bronwyn Pretorius, and Bunmi Adeniba exemplify how female CMOs are shaping strategy, driving innovation, and redefining leadership in marketing.
This reflects a broader shift where women are playing a central role in influencing consumer behaviour and building impactful brands across the continent.
Mapping Africa’s Marketing Hubs
The distribution of honourees highlights key centres of marketing influence:
- Southern Africa (led by South Africa): The continent’s strongest marketing talent base
- West Africa (Nigeria): A fast-growing hub for brand innovation
- East Africa (Kenya): Dynamic and digitally driven markets
- North Africa: Emerging centres of expertise
- Diaspora: Global influence and cross-market leadership
Among these, South Africa continues to set the pace, with its CMOs driving high-impact campaigns, brand growth, and consumer engagement strategies across sectors.
Why This Matters
The ACMO100 brings long-overdue visibility to the individuals shaping Africa’s most influential brands. For South Africa, it reinforces the country’s role as a benchmark for marketing excellence, where CMOs are not only responding to trends but actively defining the future of brand building.
As businesses navigate an increasingly competitive and digital-first landscape, the role of the CMO continues to evolve; from managing campaigns to leading strategy, innovation, and business growth.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural honourees will be celebrated at Brand Africa Week 2026, creating a platform for collaboration, insight-sharing, and recognition.
For South African CMOs, the ACMO100 is more than recognition, it is a signal of global relevance, leadership, and the growing influence of African brand builders on the world stage.
