The Top 16 Women Marketers to Watch in 2026
Industry Transformation: Women marketing leaders blend strategic vision and technology to redefine digital marketing's future.
AI Integration: Key leaders are advancing AI use in marketing, balancing automation with human elements and authenticity.
Diverse Expertise: These women excel across various disciplines, from SEO to content marketing and brand storytelling.
Educational Influence: By teaching and mentoring, these leaders foster growth in the next generation of marketing professionals.
Innovation Leadership: They're setting trends and guiding brands through digital transformation with unique, impactful strategies.
The digital marketing landscape is being transformed by women marketing leaders combining strategic vision with technological innovation. As we move through 2026, artificial intelligence, authentic storytelling, and human-centred marketing have become the defining themes of our industry. Meet some of the female leaders at the forefront of this evolution.
As we move through 2026, artificial intelligence, authentic storytelling, and human-centered marketing are becoming central themes with female leaders at the forefront of this evolution. Some of these leaders are pioneering AI integration in marketing, showing us how to balance automation with authenticity.
Others are redefining social media strategy, revolutionizing B2B marketing, and proving that technical expertise and creative storytelling can, and should, coexist.
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From Ann Handley's work on humanizing AI-powered content, to Shama Hyder's digital transformation strategies for Fortune 500 companies, to Bozoma Saint John's culturally resonant campaigns at Netflix and Apple, to Carrie Rose's viral digital PR campaigns—these female leaders represent modern marketing excellence.
Here are the women you should follow for specific insights on how to maximize AI in your marketing strategies.
Below, we highlight the women defining what it means to be a digital marketing leader in 2026.
Why Follow These Women Marketing Leaders in 2026
The curated list highlights 16 exceptional female marketing powerhouses who are actively shaping the future of digital marketing.
They're educators, innovators, and practitioners who share their knowledge generously while building billion-dollar brands and helping countless businesses grow.
What sets these leaders apart goes beyond their expertise, it's their commitment to lifting others as they climb. Through speaking engagements, books, podcasts, and community mentorship, they're shaping and supporting the next generation of marketers while helping the industry push forward.
Whether you're looking to understand AI's role in marketing, master social media algorithms, scale B2B growth, or simply learn from the best in the business, these 16 women offer invaluable insights and proven frameworks you can apply immediately.
The Top Women Marketing Influencers
Ann Handley
Ann is the world’s first Chief Content Officer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “Everybody Writes.” She’s pioneering how marketers use AI tools while maintaining authenticity and human connection in
…Ann is the world’s first Chief Content Officer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “Everybody Writes.” She’s pioneering how marketers use AI tools while maintaining authenticity and human connection in content creation. Forbes recognized her as one of the Most Influential Women in Social Media and Top 20 Women Bloggers.
Why Watch in 2026: Leading the conversation on balancing AI automation with human creativity in content marketing.
“Marketing changes faster than a writer’s relationship with the (beloved) em dash in the age of AI. Change is what makes Marketing fun... and also challenging.”
Shama Hyder
Shama was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and is a LinkedIn Top Voice in marketing. Her company Zen Media is the only marketing firm honored by both the United Nations and
…Shama was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and is a LinkedIn Top Voice in marketing. Her company Zen Media is the only marketing firm honored by both the United Nations and the White House as a Top 100 company in North America. She specializes in helping B2B brands navigate AI adoption and digital transformation.
Why Watch in 2026: At the forefront of AI integration in B2B marketing and digital transformation strategies.
“If you are building anything, stop looking for who should want what you are selling. Start looking for who cannot live without it. The hungriest buyer wins every time.”
Carrie Rose
Carrie blends creative storytelling with SEO and emerging AI tools to create viral campaigns that generate both engagement and high-authority backlinks. Her campaigns have been featured in Forbes, The Guardian, and The
…Carrie blends creative storytelling with SEO and emerging AI tools to create viral campaigns that generate both engagement and high-authority backlinks. Her campaigns have been featured in Forbes, The Guardian, and The Telegraph. Rise at Seven is a search-first creative agency for brands seeking more exposure.
Why Watch in 2026: Pioneering the integration of AI in digital PR and creative SEO campaigns.
“In business, you can buy time. In life, it’s a bit more complicated - but now, we have options.”
Mari Smith
Mari is the leading authority on Facebook and Meta platforms. She’s been named one of the Top 10 Social Media Power Influencers by Forbes and has collaborated directly with Meta as a
…Mari is the leading authority on Facebook and Meta platforms. She’s been named one of the Top 10 Social Media Power Influencers by Forbes and has collaborated directly with Meta as a lead trainer. She specializes in helping brands navigate algorithm changes and maximize performance across Meta’s ecosystem.
Why Watch in 2026: Essential for understanding Meta’s evolving AI-powered algorithms and video strategies.
“More and more online content is AI-generated… Which means the real differentiator is no longer volume. It’s HUMAN CONNECTION!”
Kim Garst
Kim has 30 years of digital marketing experience and was named one of Forbes’ Top 20 Influential Women in Marketing. She’s now focusing on AI marketing applications and blockchain projects, helping businesses
…Kim has 30 years of digital marketing experience and was named one of Forbes’ Top 20 Influential Women in Marketing. She’s now focusing on AI marketing applications and blockchain projects, helping businesses leverage emerging technologies for growth. Author of multiple bestselling books on social media marketing.
Why Watch in 2026: Expert in strategic B2B marketing and helping brands navigate digital transformation.
“You know that feeling when you read something and think, "Wow, did I write this in my sleep?" That's what we're aiming for with your AI, minus the drool stains and bedhead.”
Pam Moore
With 30 years of experience, Pam has worked with Fortune 10 brands and startups. Forbes named her one of the Top 10 Women Social Media Influencers. She specializes in B2B marketing strategy,
…With 30 years of experience, Pam has worked with Fortune 10 brands and startups. Forbes named her one of the Top 10 Women Social Media Influencers. She specializes in B2B marketing strategy, brand positioning, and digital transformation for enterprise organizations.
Why Watch in 2026: Expert in strategic B2B marketing and helping brands navigate digital transformation.
“Technology doesn’t build culture. People do. AI doesn’t just change how you work. It confronts how you think, create, and lead.”
Aleyda Solis
Aleyda is a globally recognized authority in international and technical SEO. She helps brands optimize for multiple languages, regions, and search engines. Regular speaker at major SEO conferences worldwide and creator of
…Aleyda is a globally recognized authority in international and technical SEO. She helps brands optimize for multiple languages, regions, and search engines. Regular speaker at major SEO conferences worldwide and creator of popular SEO tools and resources.
Why Watch in 2026: Essential voice on how AI search and GEO affect international SEO strategies.
“Use AI to move faster through research, outlining, and drafting. Then invest the time saved into incorporating expert insights, proprietary data, and other elements that make your content stand out.”
Lilach Bullock
Lilach is a Forbes-recognized influencer specializing in lead generation, automation, and growth marketing. She’s been featured by Forbes, Social Media Examiner, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Known for practical, actionable marketing strategies that drive
…Lilach is a Forbes-recognized influencer specializing in lead generation, automation, and growth marketing. She’s been featured by Forbes, Social Media Examiner, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Known for practical, actionable marketing strategies that drive measurable results.
Why Watch in 2026: Expert in marketing automation and leveraging AI for lead generation.
“Are you someone who waits until everything is perfect before you put it out there? Or have you learned to just put it out and fix as you go? Because I spent years in the first camp and I am only just learning that the second one is where things really happen. Even if it means teaching yourself to stay calm while everything is on fire.”
Peg Fitzpatrick
Peg co-authored “The Art of Social Media” with Guy Kawasaki. She specializes in visual storytelling, Pinterest, and Instagram marketing strategies. Known for helping brands create engaging visual content that drives real business
…Peg co-authored “The Art of Social Media” with Guy Kawasaki. She specializes in visual storytelling, Pinterest, and Instagram marketing strategies. Known for helping brands create engaging visual content that drives real business results.
Why Watch in 2026: Leading voice on visual-first marketing and platform-specific strategies.
“Main character energy, but make it low-pressure. I love this take on “side quests” — those tiny, spontaneous detours that make life feel a little less rinse-and-repeat and a lot more fun. ”
Goldie Chan
Goldie is known for her innovative approach to personal branding and B2B social media marketing. She earned accolades for authentic storytelling and strategic insights into branding. Expert in leveraging video and LinkedIn
…Goldie is known for her innovative approach to personal branding and B2B social media marketing. She earned accolades for authentic storytelling and strategic insights into branding. Expert in leveraging video and LinkedIn for brand growth and engagement.
Why Watch in 2026: Pioneer in personal branding and LinkedIn video content strategies.
“My strong desire to help young people with their academic, personal, and social needs coupled with what I have learned from working with youth with severe emotional disorder, autism, (and) learning disabilities...”
Brianna Doe
Brianna founded Verbatim, a full-service marketing agency helping small to mid-sized businesses grow through social media, content, and influencer marketing. Her podcast “Stop the Scroll” focuses on influencer marketing trends and best
…Brianna founded Verbatim, a full-service marketing agency helping small to mid-sized businesses grow through social media, content, and influencer marketing. Her podcast “Stop the Scroll” focuses on influencer marketing trends and best practices.
Why Watch in 2026: Leading voice in influencer marketing and creator economy trends.
“One of the hardest things I’ve learned: knowing when to quit. Hustle culture loooves to glorify the idea of toughing it out. Like persistence is always the right answer. But as a mentor once told me, “Sometimes when we quit, we're making room for something better.””
Sarah Noel Block
Sarah specializes in helping zero-to-two-person marketing departments achieve results. She grew organic search traffic by 1,696% and social media followers by 1,702% through content strategy. Host of the Top 10% global podcast
…Sarah specializes in helping zero-to-two-person marketing departments achieve results. She grew organic search traffic by 1,696% and social media followers by 1,702% through content strategy. Host of the Top 10% global podcast “Tiny Marketing.”
Why Watch in 2026: Expert in doing more with less—perfect for the lean marketing era.
“Referrals are great, but a steady pipeline is better.”
Tamara McCleary
Named Most Influential Woman in Martech by B2B Marketing and featured in Forbes for pioneering influencer marketing strategies. Delivers 20+ keynotes per year for organizations like SAP, IBM, and Gartner on AI,
…Named Most Influential Woman in Martech by B2B Marketing and featured in Forbes for pioneering influencer marketing strategies. Delivers 20+ keynotes per year for organizations like SAP, IBM, and Gartner on AI, robotics, and the future of marketing technology.
Why Watch in 2026: Leading voice on AI, martech, and the future of technology in marketing.
“When technology is thoughtfully designed, it doesn’t get in the way—it disappears into the experience. And what remains is something far more powerful: a sense of belonging, of being seen, of being part of something bigger.”
Gail Moody-Byrd
With over 30 years of experience, Gail leads marketing initiatives for LinkedIn’s sales analytics and intelligence software. Harvard MBA graduate and former leader at SAP and major retail companies. Premier Member of
…With over 30 years of experience, Gail leads marketing initiatives for LinkedIn’s sales analytics and intelligence software. Harvard MBA graduate and former leader at SAP and major retail companies. Premier Member of Black Women on Boards.
Why Watch in 2026: Insider perspective on LinkedIn’s evolution and B2B sales marketing.
“...founders and leaders need the clarity that comes from stepping back and examine their businesses’ essential truths.”
Tyrona (Ty) Heath
Ty is recognized for driving conversations around AI adoption in B2B marketing. She focuses on practical AI applications, hyper-personalization, and video marketing. Regular speaker on emerging trends in marketing technology and automation.
…Ty is recognized for driving conversations around AI adoption in B2B marketing. She focuses on practical AI applications, hyper-personalization, and video marketing. Regular speaker on emerging trends in marketing technology and automation.
Why Watch in 2026: Practical insights on AI implementation in B2B marketing strategies.
“The best rebrands aren't about a new name. They're about outgrowing an old one.”
Bozoma Saint John
“Boz” is one of the most influential marketing executives of this generation. She held CMO positions at Netflix, Endeavor, and served as Chief Brand Officer at Uber and Head of Global Consumer
…“Boz” is one of the most influential marketing executives of this generation. She held CMO positions at Netflix, Endeavor, and served as Chief Brand Officer at Uber and Head of Global Consumer Marketing at Apple Music. Inducted into the American Marketing Association Marketing Hall of Fame in 2022 and named Forbes’ #1 Most Influential CMO in 2021. Currently co-hosts NBC’s marketing competition series “On Brand with Jimmy Fallon,” bringing insider marketing knowledge to mainstream audiences. She’s a trailblazer in using AI and technology to create culturally relevant campaigns that drive real business results.
Why Watch in 2026: Leading the conversation on AI’s role in entertainment marketing and brand storytelling. Her new NBC show is making marketing accessible to millions while she speaks at major conferences including IAB 2026 Summit about the future of AI-driven campaigns.
“I wasn’t sure what was next. I knew for sure that for the first time, I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny.”
What Makes These Women Stand Out in 2026
- AI Integration Leadership - Women are at the forefront of practical AI adoption in marketing, focusing on maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation.
- A Human-Centered Approach - These leaders emphasize the importance of balancing technology with genuine human connection, a critical theme that's gaining traction (with good reason) for 2026.
- Diverse Specializations - From technical SEO to creative storytelling, these women leaders cover the full spectrum of digital marketing disciplines.
- Educational Impact - Each leader actively educates the next generation of marketers through speaking, writing, podcasting, and mentoring.
- Innovation & Adaptation - They're not just following trends. They're creating them and helping brands navigate rapid digital transformation on the fly.
What’s Next
Planning to make strides of your own this year? As a Marketing Leader, you’re no stranger to making changes when the data backs it up.
Staying on top of the latest AI trends is no easy task. And, if you’re anything like me, perhaps these women are a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind to. Though, having someone to look up to is key if you want to go far, and get ahead.
Like you, I'm eager to follow these female marketing powerhouses, learn from their experience and hear their stories. It is my privilege to share some insightful nuggets with The CMO community.
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