Orla Mitchell, ex-CEO WaterWipes announced as the National Marketing Champion 2026

Global marketing expert Orla Mitchell will be crowned Irish National Marketing Champion by the Marketing Institute Ireland at their annual CMO Summit in Dublin, on October 7th. This is the highest honour given in Ireland and reserved for the person who is an exemplar of the Marketing Profession, sustainably building people, brands and businesses for the future.

It is recognised that Orla has made every business she worked in more competitive by applying the basic principles of marketing – better customer relationships mean better business and more sustainable success. She has a track record of taking brands from different categories and stages of development, and quite simply making them more competitive.

Shane McGonigle, CEO of Marketing Institute Ireland commented “Orla is an exceptional C-Suite business leader with unparalleled experience in global consumer packaged goods (CPG) strategy, marketing and business management. Great marketers understand people, they know how to position brands to meet people’s needs and critically, they can action this by marshalling the resources of the business to deliver success. Importantly, Orla has done this consistently over many years, in many categories and on many continents. She is a true marketing champion and exemplifies the real value that marketing brings to business.”

When asked for reaction on receiving the award Orla commented “I am genuinely delighted and honoured to be named the National Marketing Champion for 2026. Marketing Institute Ireland has spearheaded the application of professional marketing in business since 1962, and it is a privilege to be recognised for my part in that journey. I have seen firsthand and on countless occasions the positive contribution that professional marketing makes to people, to brands and to business. Ireland’s economic competitiveness demands professional marketing skills and MII are dedicated to delivering this.”

Orla honed her marketing skills from her early days in Ireland at Nestle, to her global responsibilities at Mars-Wrigley, and back again to lead Water Wipes’ global expansion from Drogheda. Driven by Leadership values of authenticity, mutuality and purpose. Her current career focus is the application of her extensive global experience to a portfolio of NED Board roles in growth orientated and transforming businesses. This includes O’Brien Fine Foods, Navi Group and Rose Confectionery.

The award is given to a nominated individual chosen by the Board of Marketing Institute Ireland for their outstanding contribution to business through the application of professional marketing competence. Previous recipients have included Gráinne Wafer, Diageo who went on to win the European Marketer of the Year Award and Mary Lambkin, Professor of Marketing UCD.

Orla Mitchell to be honoured as National Marketing Champion by MII | Irish Independent