CMO Confidential

Richard Sanderson | A Rapid Evolution in the Marketplace - The Spencer Stuart 2025 CMO Study

Mar 11, 2025

Richard Sanderson, leader of Spencer Stuart's Marketing, Communications, and Sales Practice, unpacks intriguing findings from the 2025 CMO study. He reveals that only 40% of companies still hold the title of CMO and highlights the rising trend of hybrid roles like Chief Growth Officer. The conversation dives into the impact of AI on marketing careers, the challenges of board representation, and the emotional journey of job transitions. Sanderson also discusses why this is still 'The Golden Age of Marketing,' even amidst evolving workplace dynamics.

43:26

Episode guests

Richard Sanderson

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Quick takeaways

The average tenure of CMOs in Fortune 500 companies is stable at 4.3 years, varying significantly across different industries.

Only 40% of marketing leaders hold the traditional CMO title, indicating a trend towards hybrid roles that merge marketing with growth functions.

Deep dives

Tenure Stability of CMOs

The average tenure of chief marketing officers (CMOs) in Fortune 500 companies is currently 4.3 years, a figure that has remained relatively consistent over the past five years. This stability is noteworthy as many industry insiders perceive high turnover in this role, but the data suggests otherwise. Interestingly, the average tenure varies by industry; for instance, CMOs in healthcare tend to stay longer, averaging 5.3 years, while those in consumer businesses have a lower average tenure of 3.9 years. This trend indicates that the CMO role in consumer sectors may serve as a stepping stone to higher positions, illustrating that shorter tenures could actually signify success rather than failure.

Intro

2min

The Evolution of the CMO Study: Insights Uncovered

2min

The Evolving Role of CMOs

23min

Navigating Board Opportunities for CMOs

3min

AI and the Evolving Landscape of Marketing Leadership

10min

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Job Transitions

3min

A Call for Resilience and an Invitation to Learn

2min

A CMO Confidential Interview with Richard Sanderson, the firm's Marketing, Sales and Communications leader shares his take on the "hot off the presses" study of the Fortune 500. Toplines include stable tenure with variations by industry, how the job and title are rapidly morphing away from the traditional role (only 40% of companies use the CMO title), and the fact that a full "one third" of companies do not have a CMO-like role. Richard shares his observations of marketplace dynamics which include: why more CMO's are moving on to bigger roles than ever before; why he still thinks it is "The Golden Age of Marketing;" the reason there's so few marketers on boards; and how many companies are facing a "cold start" problem with AI. Tune in to hear why "it's not the end of the world to suffer a career setback," and the difference between "Ostriches and Wolves."

Dive into the fascinating evolution of the Chief Marketing Officer role with insights from the groundbreaking Spencer Stuart 2025 CMO Study. Host Mike Linton, former CMO of Best Buy, eBay, and Farmers Insurance, welcomes Richard Sanderson, leader of Spencer Stuart's Marketing, Communications, and Sales Practice, to discuss the future of marketing leadership. Key topics include the average CMO tenure, the rise of hybrid titles like Chief Growth Officer, diversity challenges, and the impact of AI on marketing careers and strategies.

Tune in to hear exclusive findings on how the CMO role compares to other C-suite positions, why a third of Fortune 500 companies no longer have a CMO, and what it means for your career. Richard shares invaluable advice on leadership, career progression, and adapting to the rapidly changing marketing landscape. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, aspiring leader, or business enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights and actionable strategies to stay ahead.

Subscribe to CMO Confidential for more expert perspectives and exclusive content on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. Don’t miss this essential conversation for the future of marketing!

#cmo #digitalmarketing #cmoroleevolution #executivemarketinginsights #chiefmarketingofficer

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - AI Powered Digital Experiences at Adobe Summit

00:37 - CMO Confidential Insights

01:19 - Introducing Richard Sanderson

04:56 - CMO Study Results 2025

11:09 - CMO Tenure by Industry Differences

12:14 - Companies Without a CMO

17:15 - Eliminating the CMO Role

21:05 - Rise of the Chief Growth Officer

23:50 - Future of CMOs: Will They Go Extinct?

25:25 - Marketers on Corporate Boards

29:43 - AI Impact on Career Development

32:53 - Unaddressed Topics in Marketing

33:05 - The Diversity Paradox in Marketing

34:31 - Importance of External Hires

37:34 - Current Focus Areas for Marketers

39:16 - Practical Advice and Funniest Story

42:43 - Highlights from Adobe Summit

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CMO Confidential

Richard Sanderson | A Rapid Evolution in the Marketplace - The Spencer Stuart 2025 CMO Study

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Tenure Stability of CMOs

Lack of Chief Marketing Officers

Title Evolution and Role Changes

Diversity and Internal Promotions in CMO Roles

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts