In Spencer Stuart’s 2025 pattern, 62% of CMOs have been appointed from inside, whereas 38% have been externally employed.

Of that latter group, 43% got here from a distinct trade, suggesting corporations are searching for a distinct perspective or functionality set.

Some industries confirmed a extra apparent sample of hiring externally. This included monetary providers corporations, which sourced 47% of CMOs from outdoors their companies and 43% from outdoors the sector completely. Sanderson mentioned this demonstrated an elevated recognition amongst these manufacturers that advertising could possibly be a income driver, in addition to a necessity for them to strengthen their in-house growth initiatives.

Quick-paced tech, telecom, and media companies have been extra prone to rent CMOs from inside their very own trade, with simply 26% of entrepreneurs employed from outdoors these companies arriving from a distinct sector.

4. 2026 is about strain and alternative

CMOs are dealing with finances cuts in 2026 / Getty

Per one other examine from Spencer Stuart, one-third of Fortune 500 corporations count on to chop prices by 20% or extra over the following two years, thanks partly to AI.

This monetary strain means CMOs and their counterparts might be squeezed additional in 2026. Nevertheless, for these keen to adapt, it’s additionally a second to redefine advertising management by increasing their tasks.

“That is your golden age,” Sanderson mentioned. “Robust advertising leaders have a chance to step up and tackle a broader remit than ever earlier than.”

ADWEEK asked top marketers at companies like Kellanova, U.S. Bank, Autodesk, and Chime to tell us what they hoped would happen in 2026, and what they realistically think will happen.

Source link