In 2025, marketing is no longer about big budgets or spectacular campaigns. What truly makes a difference are powerful ideas, authentic values, and the ability to connect emotionally with people.
Every year, Business Insider selects the 25 most influential CMOs in the world, leaders who don’t just do marketing, but transform cultures, inspire movements, and redefine industries.
From MC Advertising, a creative agency in Vic, we’ve analyzed this list and selected five brilliant minds that inspire us. The most exciting part is that their strategies can be applied to your business, no matter its size or industry.
Get ready to discover how artificial intelligence, storytelling, and empathy are shaping the new global marketing landscape… and how you can be part of this transformation.
Why talk about innovative minds in marketing?
Because it’s no longer just about selling. The marketing of today —and of the future— builds connections, sparks emotions, and transforms society.
The most admired CMOs today:
Embrace disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence.
Stand for social causes with coherence and purpose.
Turn campaigns into cultural conversations.
Connect with people, not just with consumers.
In 2025, this list includes leaders from major corporations like Verizon, Chipotle, and Autodesk, as well as startup professionals setting new trends.
What can we learn from them? A lot.
CMOs who are revolutionizing global marketing
David Sandström – Klarna
Creative efficiency with generative artificial intelligence.
At Klarna, Sandström implemented artificial intelligence to optimize creative production and automate content processes. Result: an 11% reduction in the marketing budget without losing impact.
Local application: automate your campaigns but keep a human touch. AI doesn’t replace creativity, it enhances it.
Jennie Platt – TD Bank
When purpose leads the strategy
During a reputational crisis, Jennie turned diversity and inclusion into the core pillars of the brand. The result was a 20% increase in awareness and a stronger connection with younger generations.
Local application: your brand can also be a force for change. Which causes resonate in your community?
Chris Brandt – Chipotle
From viral content to real sales
Chris doesn’t just follow trends, he turns them into campaigns that deliver results. He used memes, challenges, and viral content to connect with young audiences, creating campaigns that lead to real sales.
Local application: you don’t need millions of followers, just an understanding of what excites your community.
Leslie Berland – Verizon
Rebranding with soul and emotion
Berland led a complete transformation of Verizon’s identity. Less technical focus, more human connection. An emotional storytelling approach that puts people at the center of technology.
Local application: does your brand reflect what people feel, think, or need?
Dara Treseder – Autodesk
When marketing becomes culture
Treseder leveraged global moments like the Oscars or the reconstruction of Notre Dame to launch campaigns with emotional and cultural impact.
Local application: think of your town’s festivals, regional events, or local news. Every moment is an opportunity to connect.
Key strategic marketing trends for 2025
Artificial intelligence is no longer optional: it’s foundational
Automating creativity, analyzing data, personalizing messages… artificial intelligence is everywhere. Those who don’t use it will be left behind.
Brands with soul connect better
It’s not enough to say what you do. You must show why you do it. A real purpose creates lasting relationships.
Emotional coherence builds trust
People don’t want perfect brands, they want human ones. Diversity, empathy, and transparency are no longer optional.
Innovation doesn’t depend on size
A local brand can have a big idea. What matters isn’t how much you invest, but how you think.
How to apply this global vision?
At MC Advertising (Publicitat Montseny), we don’t just observe global trends: we adapt them to the local context and apply them strategically to each business.
This is how we do it:
| Strategy | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| AI and automation | Faster, more efficient, and personalized campaigns |
| Culture and territory | Messages that resonate with your community |
| Brand storytelling | Stories that move and are remembered |
| Consistent, scalable strategy | From small businesses to regional brands |
| Emotional marketing | Loyalty that goes beyond the purchase |
What if innovation were closer than you think?
You don’t need to be Verizon to innovate. What makes these CMOs exceptional isn’t their budget, it’s their vision, creativity, and commitment to people.
At MC Advertising, we have the talent, tools, and cultural insight to help you build a different kind of marketing. Closer. Stronger. Human.
Conclusion: get inspired, adapt… and take action
The great leaders of global marketing aren’t just distant examples. They’re sources of inspiration to transform your own project with bold ideas and heart.
At MC Advertising, we believe innovation also speaks Catalan, lives locally, and adapts to you.
Are you ready to take the leap into the future of marketing?
Want to bring innovation into your marketing strategy?
All the benefits of a local agency, with a global mindset.
Contact us and discover how we can help you.
What is a CMO and why is it important?
A CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is a company’s marketing director. They’re key because they define the brand’s strategy, vision, and how it communicates with the world.
What is emotional marketing?
It’s marketing that connects through emotions, not just products. It aims to create real bonds with people.
Can artificial intelligence help small businesses?
Yes. There are accessible tools that automate tasks, improve ads, and personalize messages, without the need for major investments.
How can a company in Vic apply these ideas?
With the help of an agency like MC Advertising, which adapts global trends to local realities through creativity, strategy, and technology.
What are the benefits of having a purpose-driven marketing strategy?
It builds trust, differentiation, and loyalty. People connect more deeply with authentic brands.
Does MC Advertising only work with large companies?
No. We work with businesses of all sizes, from local shops to brands with regional presence.