Digital Savvy

Monday, February 2, 2009

The Tenure of CMOs: Dreadfully Short

The subhead in the Advertising Age story reads: "Embrace of technology, business objectives helps increase tenure again." It looks like CMOs high turnover rates have risen for the second year in a row to 28.4 months. That's compared to CEOs at six years and four years for CFOs, and it's better than last year and the year before, but, still "dreadfully short."

Called out for contributing to improved tenure rates:

Better alignment with CEOs and understanding their objectives
Better leveraging internal bench strength for ideas and innovation
Embracing new technology

For staying power the Spender Stuart's Greg Welch lists five ways CMOs can extend their tenure to which I add: drive big changes in marketing with sustainability strategies and initiatives.

1. Lead from the front.
2. Be a translator.
3. Tap into the inherent wisdom of your organization.
(see article below in blog, "Chief Marketing Optimist")
4. Continually knock on the CEOs door.
5. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks.

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