Mars Snacking Australia senior brand manager Deborah Tran has been named in the 2026 Jodi Harris Scholarship cohort, the only Australian among 10 emerging marketing leaders selected globally.
The scholarship, run by Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in partnership with AB InBev, gives recipients a fully funded programme at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity including sessions with industry leaders, the AB InBev executive marketing team, and VIP access to Festival content and Awards shows. The 2026 cohort was confirmed as part of the LIONS Impact programme in March.
Tran, who leads the M&Ms brand at Mars Snacking Australia, said the selection carried particular weight given the programme’s legacy.
“Being the only Australian in this year’s cohort is pretty special. The programme reflects everything Jodi Harris stood for. Creativity, growth, and making space for people who might not see a clear path into this industry,” she said.” said Tran.
“I’m really looking forward to learning from a global cohort of brilliant people and bring that thinking back home to help raise the bar for marketing locally.
The Jodi Harris Scholarship honours the legacy of Jodi Harris, a leader remembered for championing creativity, professional growth and opportunity across the marketing industry. At AB InBev, Harris played a defining role in establishing the company’s Marketing Culture & Capabilities function, helping elevate creative effectiveness, learning and community across the organisation.
The 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity takes place from 22 to 26 June in Cannes, France.
