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CMO & CSO

When brand, data and customer relationships converge, leadership matters.

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CMO & CSO – Leadership for Growth, Customer Value and Commercial Impact

The commercial landscape has changed fundamentally. The rapid development of digital technology has made the role of CMO and CSO more complex, but also presents organisations with new opportunities. Modern executives bring the knowledge and experience to navigate this: they make smart use of technology and data in a considered way to reach customers personally, deliver value and build lasting relationships.

Odgers specialises in executive search for marketing and sales at C-suite level. As a headhunter, we connect organisations with leaders who are at home in a digital environment. From start-ups to multinationals, we map commercial leadership and support the development of talent.

Big enough to matter, small enough to care.

Our approach to CMO & CSO leadership search

CMO and CSO roles are not a standard recruitment question. They are functions directly connected to brand building, commercial growth and customer experience. We offer tailor-made solutions that fit the specific context and objectives of your organisation. Our approach rests on three pillars: Identify, Build and Develop.

Identify

We begin with the strategic direction, the market position and the role the CMO or CSO plays within it. From there, we develop a profile that points towards the future.

Build

Using our international network, we carefully assemble a candidate pool of senior executives across sectors including technology, healthcare and consumer goods. We focus on professionals with demonstrable experience in digital environments.

Develop

Our support does not end at the appointment. We focus on lasting value, for both the leader and the organisation.

Who connects brand, data and customer relationships in an increasingly complex commercial landscape?

The role of CMO and CSO is not solely about selling a product or service. It is about creating an experience that aligns with the wishes and needs of the customer. This calls for leaders who handle technology and data with care, connect commercial strategy to brand identity and place the customer relationship at the centre.

Why is CMO & CSO leadership more strategic than ever?

Digital technology is developing at a rapid pace and changing how organisations reach their customers. This places significant demands on the CMO and CSO: strategic insight, data-driven decision-making, agility and the ability to bring the organisation along in a context that is constantly shifting.

Chief Marketing/Sales Officer executive search across sectors

Odgers supports organisations across a wide range of sectors in attracting commercial leaders at C-suite level, whether that involves a Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Sales Officer or commercial director. Each environment requires its own profile and approach. We translate our sector knowledge into a sharp profile and a fitting search strategy.

  • Financial services — This sector requires CMO and CSO leaders who can carefully position complex propositions and achieve growth within the boundaries of regulation and reputation.
  • Consumer goods & retail — Here, CMO and CSO profiles are needed that connect brand strategy with commercial execution and respond swiftly to shifts in consumer behaviour and channel dynamics.
  • Life sciences & healthcare — In this environment, CMO/CSO leaders are sought who can translate scientific evidence into a clear market position within a regulated and stakeholder-intensive context.
  • Professional services — This sector requires CMO and CSO leaders who can clearly position abstract expertise propositions and connect marketing and business development in a coherent way.

How do we find the right CMO or CSO for your organisation?

We specialise in executive search for marketing and sales, with a focus on positions such as Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Sales Officer and marketing director. Thanks to our expertise and international network, you will quickly be speaking with the right senior candidates.

Interested? Let's talk about CMO or CSO search.

Curious about what we can do for your organisation? Get in touch with our consultants.

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Your partner in leadership solutions

With over 50 years' experience, Odgers combines deep market insight with a holistic approach that looks beyond the CV. We identify candidates based on cultural fit, strategic vision and future perspective. Leaders who not only suit your current context, but are also prepared for tomorrow's challenges.

Discover our approach

How can marketing and sales teams collaborate more effectively and become better aligned? Do we need one leader for both (a CCO), or two separate roles (CMO and CSO)?

Shared goals and a joint strategy are the key to better collaboration between marketing and sales. One commercial leader (CCO) can strengthen alignment, but success is equally achievable with separate CMO and CSO roles, provided they work closely together and maintain a consistent direction.

What is the right balance between brand building and revenue targets? How does a CMO/CSO ensure both short-term revenue and long-term brand value are achieved?

A strong commercial leader connects brand building with hitting targets by balancing short and long-term priorities. Investment is made in brand awareness and customer loyalty for sustainable growth, whilst robust sales targets ensure immediate revenue results.

How can a CMO/CSO directly contribute to growth, and how do we recognise this when they are performing well?

A strong CMO or CSO drives growth by attracting new customers and increasing spend from existing ones. This is reflected in tangible results: higher revenue, greater market share and repeat customers, once the marketing and sales approach has been strengthened under their leadership.

How does our marketing or sales leader respond to the digital transformation of customer behaviour?

Modern CMOs and CSOs closely track customer behaviour through data and respond accordingly. They are present wherever the customer is — from social media to e-commerce — and continuously adapt campaigns and sales journeys to keep the customer experience smooth and relevant.

Is sector experience more important, or is a fresh perspective from outside more valuable for our marketing or sales role?

Sector experience is useful for quickly understanding the market and customers, but an outside perspective can bring genuinely innovative ideas. Which carries more weight depends on the situation: where market dynamics are complex, insider knowledge is crucial; where there is an innovation deficit, an outsider can make all the difference.

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