From Silas John, Lagos
Rising marketing star, Temilayo Fadola, has earned a spot in the Cannes Lions Festival’s 30 Under 30 Brand Marketing Class of 2025 – a global recognition that celebrates young trailblazers redefining brand strategy and creativity in the marketing landscape.
Fadola’s inclusion in the programme marks a significant milestone in a career defined by dynamic strategy, cross-industry innovation and a relentless passion for building purpose-driven brands.
The Cannes Lions’ 30 Under 30 platform brings together the most promising global marketing professionals for a deep dive into creative learning, mentorship and high-level networking during the iconic festival held annually in Cannes, France.
Fadola’s selection places her among a global elite of marketers charting the future of branding, purpose and commerce.
Currently the Brand Marketing Manager at Celebrations, a top Nigerian retail chain, Fadola has been at the forefront of initiatives that have transformed consumer engagement, improved brand affinity and accelerated business growth across the country’s highly competitive markets.
Over the years, her impact has reverberated through sectors such as FMCG, telco, retail, finance and entertainment, where she has consistently delivered campaigns that marry data-driven insights with compelling storytelling.
Her signature achievements include leading the successful launch of Baylis & Harding UK in Nigeria, and spearheading a full 360-degree rebrand campaign that repositioned her current company as an experiential retail powerhouse.
Beyond day-to-day brand management, Fadola is a consummate strategist who has built a reputation for blending customer insight, business intelligence and digital dexterity. Her technical proficiencies span CRM, SEO/SEM, PPC advertising, influencer marketing, content development and event-based brand experiences.
These are skills she has honed throughout her career, from her early days at Adgenda Media and Media 100, to strategic roles at X3M Group and, most recently, as Business Growth Consultant at TwentySix – a sustainable women’s clothing company.
At X3M Group’s 7even Interactive, she led award-winning campaigns such as Hero Lager’s Echefula, the Fidelity GAIM Promo, and the innovative Total Card Express for Total Nigeria. Her campaign for Vodacom Business Nigeria was particularly groundbreaking, helping introduce Microsoft Azure and vCIO services to Nigeria’s evolving tech ecosystem.
Reacting to honour, a grateful Fadola stated: “Being selected for the Cannes 30 Under 30 is not just a personal win but a reflection of the incredible teams, brands and mentors that have shaped my journey. I’m excited to learn, collaborate and contribute to the global marketing dialogue alongside some of the brightest young minds in the industry.”
A graduate in Mass Communication with a major in Public Relations and Advertising from the Wesley University, Nigeria, Fadola continues to exemplify what it means to lead with vision, creativity and impact.
And as Nigeria’s creative economy continues to gain global recognition, professionals like Fadola are proving that homegrown talent can compete – and lead – on the world stage. Her Cannes Lions accolade is not just a personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for young marketers across Africa.
