Survey Finds Only 6% of Executives Credit Academic Pedigree for Great CMOs

A new NewtonX and Adweek survey asked executives what makes a strong chief marketing officer. Only 6% said academic pedigree is the key factor. Respondents pointed instead to experience in operations, entrepreneurship, and data.

Why it matters: For marketing leaders and anyone planning a CMO path, this data suggests that hiring committees value operational, entrepreneurial, and analytical experience over credentials.