As we kick off 2026, we see lots of writing about what’s changing in the year ahead, and what we all might need to do to update ourselves to stay fit and relevant. But from a marketing industry POV, what are the capabilities that are most in demand, that we need to revise, update and learn?
The silos between retailer, sales, and marketing are rapidly dissolving and retail media is the force driving that convergence. Global retail media spend is expected to exceed US$200 billion by 2027 (WARC).
Content has always been king and queen. But who creates it, and how, is now fully up for disruption. The creator economy is projected to reach US$191.6 billion in 2025 (Quick Market Pitch) and grow at 23% CAGR (Future Market Insights). There are already 404 million creator-partner opportunities available to marketers (Contentful), and the major platforms are vast conduits for reach
AI is no longer a peripheral tool, it is becoming the primary interface through which consumers live, choose, and buy.
At our recent Marketing Procurement Reloaded webinar, senior leaders across the industry examined how marketing procurement must evolve as AI and new operating models reshape the landscape.
Our panel featured Pascal Ducheix (Wella), Graham McKay (Dyson), and was moderated by Simon Francis, Co-CEO of Flock Associates.