Forbes’ World's Most Influential CMOs list highlights the industry’s top performers. Our CMO Hall of Fame honors those who have made the list five times. But how about those knocking at the door?Enter our CMOs to Watch list. They are not first-time executives or emerging managers, but highly accomplished leaders with proven track records who have been appointed in 2026 at pivotal moments for their organizations and industries. Whether guiding companies through technological disruption, cultural transformation, changing consumer expectations or renewed growth agendas, they are stepping into roles where the impact of marketing can extend far beyond the brand.Leandro BarretoChief Marketing Officer, Unilever and Beauty & Wellbeing (United Kingdom)Barreto oversees brand-building across entities such as Dove, Vaseline, Sunsilk, TRESemmé, and Pond's, helping drive growth for a company that generated more than $67 billion in revenue in 2025. Barreto combines creativity, technology and data-driven marketing at scale. In 2025, he was named the top Chief Marketing Officer in Cannes Lions' “People of the Year” rankings, reflecting his growing reputation in the global marketing industry.Claudine CheeverChief Marketing Officer, Pinterest (United States)Cheever is steering Pinterest’s evolution from an inspiration hub into an AI-driven engine for shopping and discovery. Overseeing global marketing, creative efforts and communications, she manages the brand identity for a company that surpassed $4 billion in revenue in 2025—driven largely by Gen Z, its largest demographic. Formerly the Vice President of Global Brand and Marketing at Amazon, Cheever is now fortifying Pinterest’s position at the intersection of culture, commerce, and technology.Arianna OrpelloChief Marketing Officer, GEICO (United States)Orpello is driving GEICO’s marketing by integrating AI, data and brand strategy to scale an enterprise that generated $45.2 billion in 2025 premiums. She is expanding the brand's cultural reach through major investments in women's sports—notably a partnership with basketball star Azzi Fudd—and the “Miles That Matter” storytelling platform that highlights the unseen support systems behind elite basketball players.Vincenzo RiiliChief Marketing Officer, IKEA Retail at Ingka Group (Sweden)Overseeing global marketing across more than 30 markets in North America, Europe and Asia, Riili manages a business that generated over $48.5 billion in 2025 revenue. His new role includes incorporating omnichannel platforms to enhance customer insights while balancing the perception of IKEA as a brand that “just” delivers furniture that is both affordable and sustainable. Since his 2026 appointment, Riili has spearheaded the “There’s No Feeling Like Home” and “Coming Home” campaigns, which signaled IKEA’s strategic shift from a focus on furniture utility to the deeply resonant, emotional experience of home comfort.Alison WagonfeldChief Marketing Officer, Nvidia (United States)Wagonfeld shapes the narrative for one of the most prominent companies behind the AI boom. By overseeing both global marketing and communications for Nvidia—roles once handled by multiple people—she has tremendous influence for a company with more than $130 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025. She previously was CMO at Google Cloud, where she helped scale the business with a run rate exceeding $70 billion. Lauren WeinbergChief Marketing Officer, Supergoop (United States)As CMO of Supergoop, Weinberg is repositioning daily sun protection into a lifestyle essential. She leads brand strategy, growth, innovation and communications, leading the company through ever-rising global demand for SPF. A veteran leader from Peloton, Square and Yahoo, and known for scaling high-growth consumer and tech brands, Weinberg is now focused on scaling Supergoop by expanding its presence in outdoor and experiential environments through new partnerships with the PGA Tour and Alterra Mountain Company, where Supergoop serves as the official sunscreen partner across 13 resorts.More from ForbesForbesThe 2026 Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs ListBy Slma ShelbayahForbesThe Forbes CMO Hall Of Fame 2026By Slma ShelbayahForbesMarketing Trends In Motion: How 2026’s Top CMOs Are Driving InfluenceBy Slma ShelbayahForbesIntroducing The 2026 Forbes CMO Hall Of Fame InducteesBy Slma Shelbayah