Unilever leader becomes Co-Chair of WFA’s Marketing Capability Forum

Launched in 2020, the Marketing Capability Forum is a peer network for senior global marketers responsible for – or heavily involved in – the development of marketing teams. It enables deeper, more technical conversations around topics such as internal skills development, marketing culture and the measurement of capability-building programmes via in-depth research, benchmarking, online tools, and both physical and remote gatherings.

This appointment reflects the increasing importance of capability transformation in a rapidly evolving marketing environment shaped by emerging technologies, new ways of working and shifting talent expectations.

Pawan brings deep experience from across markets and disciplines at Unilever, where he has led global efforts to upskill marketers and embed a culture of continuous learning and performance.

“It’s an honour to take on this leadership role in the Marketing Capability Forum. As marketing leaders, we face the challenge of preparing our teams not just for today, but for what’s next. I look forward to learning from and contributing to this vibrant community of peers,” he said.

“As the capability needs of marketing organisations continue to grow in complexity and urgency, WFA’s Marketing Capability Forum has become an indispensable community for sharing what works,” said Julia Kraft, Associate Director, Global Marketing Services, WFA. “We’re excited to see the Forum enter its next chapter of leadership and collaboration.”

Previous Forum Chairs have included Becky Verano, during her time at Reckitt, and Ryan Verschoor from AB InBev, helping lay the foundations for what has become a highly valued space for client-side capability leaders.

The next virtual meeting of the WFA Marketing Capability Forum will be held on 26 June, followed by an in-person gathering in Amsterdam on 24 September, where members will explore how building marketing capabilities can drive the growth agenda.