The CMO Circle, a platform comprising chief marketing officers and senior marketing executives, has announced the appointment of Iquo Ukoh and Lolu Akinwunmi as co-chairs for its 2026 edition. Organized by MarkHack in partnership with StatiSense and Brand Communicator, the forum serves as a strategic platform for marketing leaders to engage in discussions on business growth, innovation, and policy-related issues affecting Nigeria's corporate landscape.
Leadership and Objectives
The organizers stated that the Circle also drives industry influence through its quarterly CMO Index. This publication compiles executive sentiment, market intelligence, and insights, contributing to national economic and policy conversations. As co-chairs, Ukoh and Akinwunmi are expected to lead discussions on enterprise growth, innovation, talent development, and the evolving role of Chief Marketing Officers within executive leadership structures.
Profiles of the Co-Chairs
Ukoh, Chief Executive Officer of Entod Marketing and former Director of Marketing Services at Nestlé Nigeria, is recognized for her expertise in brand strategy and consumer engagement. Akinwunmi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet, an Ogilvy affiliate in Nigeria, has built a longstanding career advising local and multinational brands across various sectors.
Insights from the Convener
Speaking on the development, Victor 'Gbenga Afolabi, Convener of MarkHack and the CMO Circle, explained that the platform was created to position marketing leadership as a key contributor to business strategy and policy engagement. According to him, the appointment of Ukoh and Akinwunmi reflects the Circle's focus on strengthening industry leadership and expanding the influence of marketing executives in national economic discussions.
The CMO Circle continues to serve as a vital forum for marketing executives to share insights and shape the future of marketing in Nigeria. With the new co-chairs at the helm, the 2026 edition promises to deliver impactful discussions and initiatives that will drive growth and innovation in the corporate sector.
