On November 22, 2024, the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) Awards gala brought together nearly 1,000 marketers from across Canada to honor the country’s top marketing talent, innovative campaigns, and significant contributions to the industry. Among the evening’s highlights were Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer at the Canadian Olympic Committee, who was named Marketer of the Year, and Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer at RBC, who received the CMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Both women were celebrated for their remarkable achievements and impact on the marketing profession.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized among Canada’s most talented marketers,” Ryan remarked. “The journey of elevating Team Canada’s brand alongside such dedicated partners demonstrates the transformative power of creative vision and purpose-driven marketing in inspiring national pride and fostering community.”
DePaoli expressed similar gratitude for her recognition: “Working at RBC with so many talented professionals has been one of the greatest joys of my career. This award is a testament to the mentors, peers, partners, and friends who have enriched my journey. I deeply thank the Canadian Marketing Association for this honor.”
Other Top Awards and Winners
In addition to Ryan and DePaoli’s honors, several other outstanding campaigns and individuals were celebrated at the gala:
- Best of the Best Award: Kraft Heinz, in partnership with Rethink, for the campaign “Heinz Ketchup & Seemingly Ranch.”
- Top Cause Award: “What No One Tells You When You’re Expecting” by North York General Foundation and Courage Inc.
- Achievement in Marketing Award (AIM): Alison Osborne, Vice-President of Marketing at Quill Inc.
The recognition highlighted a year of exceptional work in the marketing industry, blending strategic brilliance with creativity to build powerful campaigns that connect deeply with Canadians.
The Role of Marketing in Canada’s Economy
Alison Simpson, President and CEO of the CMA, praised the winners for their contributions to Canada’s marketing landscape:
“Canada’s marketing profession continues to lead in innovation and creativity, and this year’s winners exemplify the critical role marketing plays in building brands and driving business success. The campaigns and individuals honored tonight demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and creativity while celebrating the diversity of Canadian culture. Their work not only achieved remarkable results but also pushed boundaries and embraced new technologies. I’m proud to see our industry thriving and contributing to the national economy.”
A Global Recognition: Inaugural Global Creative Award
For the first time, the CMA introduced the Global Creative Award, designed to honor the best campaigns produced by Canadian-based marketing teams and agencies for an international audience. This inaugural honor was awarded to STAEDTLER for its innovative campaign “The Brilliance of the Human Hand.”
Highlights of the 2024 CMA Awards
The gala recognized achievements across six marketing disciplines, with a total of 156 awards presented. FCB emerged as the top-performing agency of the night, securing 19 awards, including 12 for their work with BMO, which stood out as the leading brand of the evening.
Celebrating Innovation and Creativity
The 2024 CMA Awards reflected the evolving landscape of Canadian marketing, where cutting-edge strategies and creative campaigns are increasingly driving impact. As the industry continues to embrace new technologies and adapt to the ever-changing needs of consumers, the achievements celebrated at this year’s gala serve as a testament to the innovation and resilience of Canada’s marketing professionals. From campaigns addressing social causes to global outreach efforts, the event showcased the dynamic role of marketing in shaping culture, fostering connections, and contributing to economic growth.
By recognizing leaders like Jacqueline Ryan and Mary DePaoli, alongside groundbreaking campaigns and creative teams, the CMA reaffirmed its commitment to elevating the marketing profession and inspiring future generations of marketers.
