Chief Marketing Officer - Alternative Careers and Similar Jobs (Updated for 2024) (2024)

FAQs

What is the alternative to a chief marketing officer? ›

Similar Job Titles to a Chief Marketing Officer

For example, some employers may refer to a Chief Marketing Officer as either a Vice President Marketing or a Chief Operating Officer.

Chief marketing officer job growth summary.

After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: The projected chief marketing officer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028. About 33,700 new jobs for chief marketing officers are projected over the next decade.

There are more than 68,763 Chief Marketing Officers employed in the United States. 32% of them are women, and 68% are men. The average age of the CMO is 38 years old.

This executive is responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of all marketing and advertising initiatives. Digital marketing has greatly expanded the role of the CMO. Today, the CMO must be data-driven, comfortable with technology, and have a deep understanding of customer behavior.

Hierarchy between CMOs & Marketing VPs

Generally, the CMO is the highest member of the marketing department and oversees the activities of the VP of Marketing.

Whether a chief brand officer (CBO) is higher than a chief marketing officer (CMO) depends on the organizational structure. In some companies, CMOs may hold a higher position in the hierarchy, while in others, CBOs may oversee branding as a distinct and specialized role within the marketing department.

The typical career progression in product marketing follows a path from PMM to Senior PMM, Group or Principal PMM, Director, Senior Director, VP, SVP, and ultimately, CMO. As you climb the ladder, your responsibilities and scope of work will expand, eventually leading to senior management roles.

Average tenure of CMOs at the leading 100 advertisers in the U.S. 2004-2023. In 2023, the average tenure of chief marketing officers (CMOs) at the leading 100 advertisers in the United States reached 37.2 months – or 3.1 years. That was the lowest average since 2009, when it stood at 34.7 months.

If CMOs take their place on the throne of tech innovation, demonstrating how tools like AI can lead the organization through tough customer segmentation trends, they can increase their value. Marketers must adapt to become technologists, analysts and creatives because technological, data-driven approaches are key.

The average tenure of Fortune 500 CMOs in 2022 was 51 months or 4.2 years, down slightly from 4.5 years in 2021.

Is being a CMO stressful? ›

24/7 Crisis Management

CMOs are often the first responders to brand crises, which can erupt at any time, day or night. This unpredictability can lead to stress and the requirement to be perpetually available, disrupting personal time and plans.

The path to becoming a CMO is both demanding and rewarding, requiring a blend of education, experience, and a diverse skill set. For those who are committed and passionate about marketing, these prerequisites will equip them with the tools needed to succeed in this dynamic executive role.

Key stat: The average tenure for CMOs at top US advertisers was around three years (37 months) in 2023, according to an April 2024 report by Spencer Stuart. Beyond the chart: Compared with a decade ago, CMOs tenure at top US advertisers is decreasing.

Chief marketing officer salary and job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for marketing managers, which could encompass CMOs, may increase 10% from 2020 to 2030.

Is chief marketing officer a high position? Yes, a CMO is a high-ranking executive position. A CMO is critical in shaping a company's marketing strategies, brand image, and overall market presence.

A chief marketing officer (CMO), also called a global marketing officer or marketing director, or chief brand officer, is a corporate executive responsible for managing marketing activities in an organization.

CMO vs.

While the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees the organization's daily operations, the Chief Marketing Officer focuses on shaping the future through marketing strategies. Both positions are critical to driving revenue growth, albeit from different angles.

In contrast, the CPO oversees the development and enhancement of the company's products, focusing on innovation, user experience, and product-market fit. While the CMO prioritizes market perception and customer relationships, the CPO concentrates on product functionality, differentiation, and user satisfaction.

The CSO is deeply involved in the sales process, from lead generation to closing deals, ensuring the sales staff meets the company's sales goals. On the flip side, the CMO steers the marketing ship. Their realm is broader, encompassing brand management, digital marketing, and market research.