Laurence Herbert wins European Marketer 2026

European Marketing Confederation has named Laurence Herbert, Chief Marketing Officer at Puratos, as European Marketer of the Year 2026. The award was presented during the LiMA CMO Summit Awards Ceremony held in Vilnius.

Marketing associations from across Europe nominated national champions, with ten finalists competing for the title. An independent international jury selected Laurence Herbert based on her strategic leadership and contribution to business transformation and sustainable growth.

European jury highlights marketing leadership impact

Second place went to Marco Greco, Head of Marketing at Ochsner Sport, while third place was awarded to Stijn Mentrop-Huliselan, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald's Deutschland LLC.

Ralf Strauss, Chairman, EMC: "The European Marketing Confederation (EMC) is proud to announce that Laurence Herbert, Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Group Executive Committee at Puratos in Belgium, has been awarded the prestigious title of European Marketer of the Year 2026. This award celebrates more than professional excellence - it celebrates leadership that shapes the future of business and society. Across Europe, marketing has become a driving force behind innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable value creation. Laurence Herbert represents this evolution perfectly: she combines strategic intelligence, visionary leadership, and business impact at the highest level."

Recognition reflects evolving role of marketing

Martin Huisman, Chairman of the Jury: "This year’s finalists represented the very best of Europe’s marketing profession, making the final decision exceptionally difficult. Laurence distinguished herself through her unique ability to connect brand building, innovation, customer-centricity, and commercial performance. She demonstrates what world-class modern marketing leadership looks like."

Laurence Herbert: "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the European marketing community. I have always believed that marketing has the power to create meaningful value—not only for businesses and customers, but also for society. This award reflects the dedication, passion, and talent of the teams I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career."

Puratos CMO recognised for global brand leadership

Laurence Herbert has built a reputation as a leading marketing professional in Belgium. At Puratos, which operates in more than 100 countries, she has contributed to strengthening the company’s global brand and customer-focused strategy, while supporting its work in innovation and sustainability.

The European Marketer of the Year Award, organised annually by the European Marketing Confederation, recognises marketers’ contributions to business and society. Supported by fourteen European marketing associations, the initiative highlights the role of marketing in driving growth and shaping future leadership.

www.emc.be

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