11: Exploring the “2025 CMO Tenure Study”: Insights from Richard Sanderson, marketing, sales, and communications practice leader at Spencer Stuart
Description
What do executive recruiters look for when placing chief marketing officer (CMO) candidates? Why do CMOs have some of the shortest average tenures among the C-suite?
Richard Sanderson has spent nearly his entire career as an executive recruiter. He began as an intern at Russell Reynolds Associates in the United Kingdom, then eventually joined them full-time, and was relocated to the United States. He went on to get his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago before shifting into a new role as Senior Associate at Booz & Company. After five years in consulting, Richard rejoined Russell Reynolds Associates before moving into his current marketing, communications, and sales practice leader role at Spencer Stuart. In his role, he has led a series of high-profile Fortune 500 chief marketing officer (CMO) searches.
In today's episode, Alan and Richard break down the 2025 Chief Marketing Officer Tenure Study. They discuss what the data shows regarding career trajectories, changing titles and expectations, and the future of marketing leadership. Richard also shares what he seeks in CMO candidates when filling a role, provides listeners with actionable tips for interviews, and suggests that marketers align their language with their CEO’s priorities.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The ABCs of interviewing: Leading practices and common pitfalls
Career paths for CMOs after their tenure
What shifting marketing leadership titles mean<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW15828255
United States
