Best of the DMEXCO CMO Summit 2024

AI, sustainability, data analysis, and corporate branding – international marketing decision-makers discussed the hot topics in the digital industry at the first DMEXCO CMO Summit. We reveal which sessions should be on your re-watch list!

DMEXCO CMO Summit: DMEXCO visitors in front of the CMO Lounge
Image: © Koelnmesse GmbH, Hanne Engwald

CMO Summit: firsthand industry insights

What challenges are shaping the future of digital marketing? How will AI influence marketing strategies in 2025? And what impact are purpose and new work having on organizations? Top international speakers spent a whole day sharing their personal insights and practical experience on key industry topics on the Center Stage. We’ve put together a selection of the most interesting presentations, fireside chats and panels – including links to our video-on-demand library so that you can catch up on everything.

Keynote: BrAIve new world

How important is the balance between technology and human creativity in marketing? In her keynote “BrAIve new world?”, Susanne Franz, CMO of Volkswagen, emphasizes that while artificial intelligence enhances efficiency, the human element – particularly creativity and emotional intelligence – remains crucial for an authentic brand identity. She believes the future of marketing lies in harnessing the synergy of both elements for credible and emotional brand messaging.

Click here for the keynote

Lecture: The Importance of Differentiation – The Value of Brands and Creativity

In this lecture, Elisa Gregori, Perrier Global Business Director and French Brands International Business Director at Nestlé, addresses the importance of brand building and creative ideas – despite the trend of focusing on new media. By way of example, she looks at Perrier, an iconic brand that is reinventing itself in order to appeal to younger consumers. This process involves attention to detail and collaborations with leading creatives designed to further drive the brand’s distinctiveness.

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Fireside chat: Restraint has never brought anyone forward

Philipp Hitschler-Becker, CEO of Hitschler International, delivered fascinating insights into the digital transformation of a family business in this fireside chat. In addition to relating his path to becoming a brand ambassador, he addressed why the “courage to cringe” hits the mark with young target groups in particular and how the company’s candy products went viral.

Click here for the fireside chat

Presentation: Brave Marketing: How to win in a declining market

How did Westwing evolve from a German club sales business to become one of Europe’s leading online retailers for premium designer furniture? Rik Strubel, CMO of Westwing, explains everything in his presentation. He addresses the Brave Marketing strategy, the tough choices and setbacks along the way, and the company’s future plans.

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Fireside chat: Inspire and Empower: Transforming Fashion Shopping Experiences with Storytelling and Cultural Insights

What does the future of the fashion industry look like? In their fireside chat, Morten Grubak, VP Creative Direction at Zalando, and Munise Can from Highsnobiety explore how to captivate customers with unique content, empower style choices through knowledge, and enhance shopping experiences with impactful storytelling. They also present innovative strategies for moving beyond traditional retail, including partnering with cultural trendsetters.

Click here for the fireside chat

Presentation: How ING is Scaling Personalization: Tailoring over 5.5 Million Logins Every Day

Isil Akdemir Evlioglu, Head of Private Individuals for ING Netherlands, reveals the secrets behind the creation of a hyper-personalized app in this session. She takes you along the bank’s fascinating path to personalization and explains the lessons learned along the way. You’ll discover how hyper-personalized content can transform your customers’ experiences and spark deeper engagement.

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Panel: So finally, what’s on the CMO Agenda 2025?

What’s on the marketing industry’s strategic agenda for 2025? This is addressed by Maike Abel, Digital & Corporate Marketing Director at Nestlé, Deniz Can, Global Head – Media and Content at Bayer AG, Daniel Jäger, Head of Group Media for Deutsche Telekom AG, Dorit Posdorf, CMO of DocMorris, and Rolf Schröter, Editor-in-Chief of W&V. Given their wealth of expertise, you’re sure to be well informed about the topics shaping the marketing of tomorrow after re-watching this panel.

Check out the panel

CMO Summit and all other DMEXCO highlights available to re-watch

Would you like even more exciting insights and ideas from the world of digital marketing? Every CMO Summit session and other inspiring DMEXCO highlights await you in our video-on-demand library!

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