Fostering future marketing leadership in New Zealand


The Marketing Association helps upskill marketers at every stage of their career.


The New Zealand Marketing Association is at the forefront of shaping the future of marketing and its latest initiatives are nothing short of inspiring. By empowering marketers at every stage of their careers through learning, networking, mentoring and real-world experience, the MA is making waves in the industry. 

MA’s Student Engagement Programme provides a platform for tertiary marketing students to learn about our industry and start building connections. This is part of MA’s ongoing commitment to build capability in marketing and securing a strong future for marketers. 

For more senior marketers, MA’s Advanced Marketing Leadership Programme is hailed by graduates from the 2024 cohort for elevating their marketing, strategic thinking and leadership skills as they set their sights on future CMO roles. 

Here we take a closer look at both programmes.

MA’s student engagement programme

The Marketing Association’s dedication to engaging tertiary marketing students is truly commendable. In 2024, students were everywhere, bridging the gap between academia and the industry. 

One standout initiative is the Top Talent Marketing School, a collaboration between MA and the University of Auckland Business School. This programme offers tailored bootcamps where students can upgrade their marketing skills and gain valuable work experience at some of New Zealand’s top companies and agencies.

“The bootcamp was a game changer for me. I learned so much and got to work with some of the best in the business.”Top Talent Student

Student ambassadors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in MA’s world-class events in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. These events were inspiring, featuring discussions with top local and international thought leaders. 

“Honestly, who would’ve thought I’d be in the same room as so many industry leaders? It was a whirlwind of inspiration, learning, and growth. I can’t wait to apply everything I learned to my studies and beyond!” Mook Supitcha, UoA Marketing Student

Over the winter and spring of 2024, more than 200 marketing students visited the MA in Parnell for exclusive student and top talent events. Here they met their mentors and chatted to senior leaders and young marketers about what it takes to get into and succeed in our industry. 


Students were everywhere at the Marketing Association in 2024, bridging the gap between their academic studies and the industry. 

And the best part? Tertiary marketing students qualify for free membership of the Marketing Association, opening doors to endless opportunities and resources. 

MA is not just fostering future marketing leaders, it’s building a vibrant, connected and forward-thinking marketing community. Cheers to the future of marketing in New Zealand! 

“The Brand Summit has definitely changed my perspective on marketing and influenced me to take a deeper look at how I can grow my career and specialise in brand.” Dominic Johnson, Massey University Student 

MA’s Advanced Marketing Leadership Programme is back for 2025

In 2023, the Marketing Association launched a three-month (six-day) professional certification programme on Advanced Marketing Leadership. 

Each year, an intake of about 30 senior marketers are taken through an intensive programme of workshops, mentoring, panel discussions and presentations from local and international thought leaders. 

The goal? To equip and upskill the future CMOs of New Zealand. 

The Advanced Marketing Leadership Programme prepares participants for the next stage of their career.

The programme dives deep into leadership to prepare participants for the next step in their career, helping aspiring CMOs to think a little differently. 

From the ideal attributes of a CMO to liaising with a board, to making the big calls or managing a brand crisis, the cohort is put through their paces with a group project, Dragons’ Den-style presentations to industry leaders and much more. 

“What a brilliant line-up of top experts and superstar CMO line up giving us compelling and relevant content across the six days. I count myself lucky to be on the inaugural intake and hope there will be many future graduates to follow.” – Diane Clark, Head of Marketing & CX Foursquare, Foodstuffs NZ


Here’s what the 2025 cohort can expect 

In the coming year, MA’s Advanced Marketing Leadership Programme promises to be even bigger and better. Here’s a sneak peek at what the 2025 cohort can expect:

  • Thomas Barta: A world-renowned expert in marketing leadership and author of The 12 Powers of a Marketing Leader. A former McKinsey partner, Barta advises organisations on customer-centric transformation and leadership, empowering marketers to elevate their roles and drive business impact.
Thomas Barta
  • Professor Jim Lecinski: Named the top professor from the Kellog School of Management in Chicago, and with 12 years of experience at Google under his belt, Lecinski is presenting the AI Marketing Canvas, a five-stage roadmap to implementing artificial intelligence in marketing.
Professor Jim Lecinski
  • Globally renowned marketing and leadership experts sharing their keys to success. 
  • Daily networking opportunities with speakers, mentors and fellow participants. 
  • Leading CMOs and CEOs from companies such as Spark, ANZ, Goodman Fielder, Google, OneNZ, Lion and more! 
  • Cheat sheet for presenting to boards, CFO panel + more hands-on learning. 

Thanks to everyone involved, including my fellow graduates! I will highly recommend the course to anyone considering applying. It’s been an inspiring, motivating, challenging and fun experience.” – Melissa Soich, Group Marketing Manager, Fab Group

Turning today’s marketing talent into tomorrow’s leadersApplications for 2025 are now open!

Find out if you qualify to be part of the 2025 Advanced Marketing Leadership cohort. You will need endorsement from your CMO/manager and have at least eight years of experience in marketing, advertising or a related field.

“I absolutely loved it. The whole thing was a very positive vibe with marketers supporting other marketers. Great speakers, great facilitators. Thank you to the Marketing Association for making it happen.”Felicity Christie, Founder and CEO, Sustainability Marketing Group  

Find out more:

Visit marketing.org.nz/advanced-marketing-leadership/2025 or scan the QR code.


This was first published in the 2024 December-January NZ Marketing Magazine issue. Subscribe here.