Marketing · CMO
Chief Marketing Officer executive search.
Retained CMO search across consumer, B2B, technology and professional services.
What the role is
A short definition.
A Chief Marketing Officer leads the marketing function of an organisation. The role has split into two distinct profiles: growth-and-performance CMOs (data-driven, martech-fluent, revenue-accountable) and brand-and-reputation CMOs (positioning, brand equity, senior stakeholder-facing). The strongest boards understand which they need before starting the search.
Core responsibilities
What we assess candidates against.
- Marketing strategy aligned to the commercial plan
- Brand positioning, voice and management
- Demand generation and performance marketing (where in scope)
- Content, digital, PR and communications coordination
- Marketing team leadership and organisation design
- Board and executive team representation for marketing
When to run this search
Typical triggers.
On the transition from founder-led marketing to a professional CMO; on a strategic reset where brand positioning is being redefined; on entry into new geographies or channels; on the departure of an incumbent CMO.
How we search
The specific approach we take.
Retained. The single most important thing we do before writing the brief is calibrate whether the client needs a growth-and-performance CMO or a brand-and-reputation CMO. The candidate pools are largely non-overlapping. Every mandate is led by a partner with sector fluency.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a growth-and-performance CMO and a brand-and-reputation CMO?
A growth-and-performance CMO owns revenue attribution, martech stack, performance marketing, and CRM. A brand-and-reputation CMO owns brand strategy, positioning, senior stakeholder relationships and (often) corporate communications. Different profiles, different candidates.
Do you handle CMO searches for both consumer and B2B businesses?
Yes. Consumer and B2B CMO candidate pools are distinct. We calibrate briefs and market maps accordingly.
How do you assess candidates on AI fluency?
Every senior marketing search now includes explicit AI-in-marketing screening — beyond marketing-copy generators, we probe candidates on data pipelines, personalisation, creative workflows and AI-governance risk.
How long does a CMO search take?
Twelve to sixteen weeks brief to accepted offer is typical.
How is compensation structured?
Base, cash bonus, and LTIP or equity. Growth-and-performance CMOs increasingly negotiate on equity component; brand-and-reputation CMOs on base.
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