Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends Announces 2026 Inductees

Recognition matters in marketing. In an industry that moves quickly and often celebrates the next big thing, it is worth pausing to acknowledge the leaders who have shaped the foundation. Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends does exactly that, and the 2026 inductees reflect the breadth and depth of talent driving our industry forward.

Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends has revealed its 2026 inductees, recognizing five senior leaders whose work has helped shape Canadian marketing across banking, creative, academia, media, and brand leadership.

Presented by AMA Toronto, the Hall of Legends honours marketers whose careers reflect long-term impact, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the industry.

The 2026 Inductees

This year’s Marketing Legends are:

• John Doig, former CMO, Scotiabank
• Elspeth Lynn, Co-founder, Partner and ECD, Unbound
• Mandeep Malik, Associate Professor and Area Chair, McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business
• Ian Mirlin, Creative Director, Crowdiate
• Mark Sherman, Founder and former CEO, Media Experts

The program also recognized Anita Ezediunor, Director of CRM and Email Marketing at Canada Goose, with the Marketer-on-the-Rise Award, highlighting emerging leadership and performance-driven impact.

“These marketers represent exceptional Canadian talent. Each of them has influenced and elevated our industry at home and abroad,” said Max Rakov, President of AMA Toronto.

The award winners will be honoured at a gala event on May 28.

A Snapshot of Where Marketing Is Headed

Since 2004, Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends has spotlighted leaders whose careers go beyond campaigns. The recognition reflects a body of work that includes mentorship, brand building, innovation, and long-term contributions to the community.

This year’s class reflects the diversity of modern marketing leadership in Canada. From financial services to independent creative, from academic influence to media entrepreneurship and lifecycle marketing, the inductees represent different paths that shape the same industry.

It is also a reminder that Canadian marketing leadership spans disciplines, generations, and perspectives. Recognizing both lifetime achievement and rising talent helps create visibility for the next wave of leaders coming up behind them.

Balmoral Multicultural Marketing is the 2026 title sponsor of the program, and Globe Media Group serves as the official media partner.