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

CMO Confidential

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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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113 episodes