“Hosting the European Marketer of the Year, with top marketers from across Europe in attendance, was a recognition of our position in the European marketing landscape,” says Shane McGonigle, Director of the Marketing Institute of Ireland.

Marketing associations across Europe are currently nominating their most outstanding marketing professionals. An international panel of experts will evaluate the finalists, including a detailed review of their work and personal interviews.

Lithuania will be represented by Vaida Jurkonienė, Head of Marketing and Communications at Telia Lietuva. Earlier this year, she was awarded CMO of the Year 2025 by the Lithuanian Marketing Association (LiMA).

Ralf Strauss, Chairman of the EMC, emphasizes the purpose of the competition: “This award highlights the importance of marketing in modern economies. By showcasing leading marketing professionals, we aim to inspire the next generation and demonstrate the diverse career opportunities in this field.”

Lithuania has been an active member of the EMC, being one of the first countries to accredit a marketing competency model, certify training programs, and rapidly grow its network of marketing professionals.

“Vilnius being chosen to announce the European CMO of the Year shows that we are not only geographically central but also a hub of talent. Behind our economic growth and innovative companies are people: creators, strategists, and leaders. Today, marketing is a strategic force that connects product, customer, and sales. A strong CMO drives this process by combining creativity, data, and vision,” says Giedrė Vilkė, LiMA board member and international jury panelist.

At last year’s ceremony in Dublin, the title of European Marketing Leader was awarded to Zsófia Bánhegyi, Chief Commercial Officer at Hungarian company Szerencsejáték Zrt.