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The European Marketing Confederation, a partner of the African Marketing Confederation in the founding of the World Marketing Council, has named renowned international marketing commentator Seth Godin as the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award in Marketing for 2026.
Godin was selected for his impact on modern marketing thinking and his continued relevance in an evolving industry.
The European Marketing Confederation (EMC) award recognises individuals whose work has shaped the development of marketing as a strategic discipline. Past recipients include Philip Kotler in 2023, Simon Sinek in 2024 and Byron Sharp in 2025.
Recipients are chosen through a nominations and voting process involving member associations across Europe. For 2026, the process was expanded to include input from marketing confederations in Africa and Asia, reflecting the international scope of the award.
International Day of Marketing
The award was formally presented on 27 May during the International Day of Marketing, a global initiative established by the EMC to highlight the role of marketing in business and society.
“Seth Godin is widely recognised as one of the most influential voices in modern marketing. Through his books, writing and thought leadership, he has consistently challenged conventional thinking and redefined how organisations create meaningful connections with their audiences,” says Ralf Strauss, Chairman of the EMC.
“His work has empowered marketers to focus on trust, purpose and value creation – principles that are more relevant today than ever, and we feel privileged to recognise his lifetime contribution with this award.”
Comments Godin: “Marketing leadership isn’t about hustle or hype or even advertising – it’s the persistent commitment to doing work that matters for people who care. We have the tools to create value, and now each of us has the opportunity to choose to show up and lead.”
The European Marketing Confederation, African Marketing Confederation and Asia Marketing Federation last year formed the World Marketing Council.
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