FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Maureen Ifada among 2026 Native Advertising Awards Judges

Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Maureen Ifada, has been appointed as a jury member for the 2026 edition of the Native Advertising Awards, cementing her position as one of Africa’s leading marketing and brand communication professionals.

The Native Advertising Awards, organised by the Native Advertising Institute, celebrate excellence and innovation in branded content, storytelling, and digital advertising worldwide.

As a jury member, Ifada will evaluate entries from top brands, agencies, and publishers, alongside an international panel of senior marketing and media professionals, highlighting her influence on the global marketing stage.

Her appointment adds to a growing list of prestigious global recognitions, including her previous roles as a judge for the International Content Marketers Award and the SABRE Awards EMEA—both platforms celebrating excellence in marketing, public relations, and brand storytelling.

Ifada brings over two decades of experience in marketing and sales within the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

She began her career at FrieslandCampina WAMCO in 2003 as a management trainee and steadily rose through the ranks, joining the company’s management team in 2024.

She currently leads marketing strategy for Nigeria’s iconic dairy brands, including Peak Milk and Three Crowns Milk.

Throughout her career, Ifada has been widely acknowledged for driving impactful brand strategies and consumer-focused campaigns.

Her most notable achievement includes repositioning Three Crowns Milk through the “Healthy Mums, Happy Families” campaign, strengthening the brand’s relevance in Nigeria’s competitive dairy market.

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades. In 2025, she was named Marketing Director of the Year at the Brand Handlers Awards and received the Outstanding Marketing Achiever of the Year honour at the Marketing Edge Awards.

She has also been recognised among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications in Nigeria by WIMCA, further solidifying her influence in shaping the country’s marketing landscape.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Ifada is regarded as a thought leader in brand building and marketing strategy, championing innovation, mentorship, and the development of marketing expertise across Nigeria and Africa.

Her appointment to the 2026 Native Advertising Awards jury not only underscores her personal accomplishments but also signals the growing global recognition of African marketing expertise in shaping the future of brand communication.