URGENT UPDATE: VaynerX and The Marketing Academy (TMA) have just announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at shaping the next generation of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) worldwide. This commitment was unveiled during the Future CMO Summit held in Montana on February 3, 2026, an exclusive gathering for 20 promising marketers nominated by industry leaders.
The summit served as a vital platform for immersive professional development, fostering real-time learning and discussions on the essential skills modern CMOs must possess in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven marketing landscape. Founders Gary Vaynerchuk of VaynerX and Sherilyn Shackell of TMA emphasized the need to nurture upcoming talent, stating, “The most important person in the room is the future CMO.”
Why This Matters NOW: As the marketing world undergoes rapid transformation, today’s emerging leaders face unprecedented challenges. Vaynerchuk highlighted that “tomorrow’s CMOs must be fluent in culture, creators, AI, and speed,” with empathy and accountability at the forefront. The initiative aims to equip these rising stars with the necessary tools and insights to thrive.
The collaborative effort will draw on the expertise of over 1,400 TMA Alumni and is set to include a series of curated leadership development sessions, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing thought leadership on the evolving role of CMOs. Key insights from the summit—emphasizing cultural fluency, community-centric leadership, and AI enablement—will shape programming throughout 2025-2026.
“By aligning with VaynerX around this shared ambition, we can help rising CMOs build the confidence, capability, and modern skillsets required to thrive in an increasingly complex world,” Shackell stated.
Looking ahead, VaynerX and TMA will host roundtables and intimate gatherings for emerging CMOs, fostering cross-regional connections and mentorship from industry leaders. This initiative exemplifies a strong commitment to cultivating the next wave of marketing talent, which is critical for the future of global brand-building.
Stay tuned for further updates and developments from VaynerX and The Marketing Academy as they work to transform the landscape of marketing leadership. For more information, visit https://vaynerx.com/.
