Chief Marketing Officer vs Chief Growth Officer: Which Does Your Business Really Need?
As organisations sharpen their focus on growth, many boards are questioning whether a traditional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is enough, or whether the time has come to appoint a Chief Growth Officer (CGO). While the titles are often used interchangeably, the roles are distinct, and choosing the wrong one can dilute impact at the top table.
The evolving CMO
The CMO role has evolved significantly. Today’s CMOs are commercial leaders, responsible for brand, demand generation, customer insight and increasingly, revenue contribution. In many FTSE 350 and private equity-backed businesses, a high-calibre CMO already operates as a growth partner to the CEO, aligning marketing, product and sales around a shared agenda.
When a CGO makes sense
The CHief Growth Officer (CGO) role typically emerges when growth has stalled, fragmented or lacks clear ownership. A CGO is often tasked with unifying revenue-driving levers across marketing, sales, product and customer success, with a focus on accelerating topline performance. This role is less about functional excellence and more about orchestration, prioritisation and execution at pace.
Organisational needs
The decision is not about hierarchy but organisational maturity. Businesses with a strong brand foundation, clear customer proposition and an integrated go-to-market model may benefit more from an empowered CMO with genuine commercial (revenue) accountability. In contrast, organisations facing complexity, multiple revenue streams or misaligned functions may require a CGO to reset focus and drive momentum.
Crucially, clarity of mandate matters more than job title. Without defined accountability, overlapping responsibilities between CMO and CGO can create confusion rather than growth. Boards must be explicit about outcomes, decision rights and success metrics.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on the problem you are trying to solve. Whether appointing a CMO, a CGO or redefining an existing role, the priority should be securing a leader with the authority, capability and influence to deliver sustainable growth.
To find out how we can support you with CMO and CGO hires, connect with a Consultant.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a specialist headhunting firm dedicated to finding exceptional interim and permanent senior marketing, digital, and technology leaders for both B2C and B2B organisations. We partner with FTSE 350 and private equity–backed companies, recruiting for roles at Head, Director and Chief (C-suite) level.
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