Viewed in BCG For today’s procurement leaders, the first 100 days are no longer a learning period. They are a credibility window. In a context of margin pressure, volatility, and fast-moving AI, the CPO is expected to deliver visible value quickly and earn the right to modernize the function. This is now a C-suite role… More
Read more...Role Evolution
The evolving role of the government affairs leader
Viewed in Heidrick & Struggles In a context of accelerating political, regulatory, and societal change, many companies are re-examining the place of government affairs within the executive team. What was once peripheral has become increasingly strategic. Data from The Official Board shows that 74% of the Global Fortune 500 now include one or more government… More
Read more...CRO turnover: What executives need to know
Viewed in Korn Ferry Chief Revenue Officers (CROs) and Chief Commercial Officers (CCOs) are under unprecedented strain. Across industries—from software to consumer goods to manufacturing—firms are replacing revenue leaders at a faster pace than ever. With average tenure barely two years, the shortest in the C-Suite, these executives are often seen as the quick “fix”… More
Read more...Revenue rules: Why CROs belong on every c-suite radar
Viewed on Egon Zehnder A decade ago, the title Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) was virtually nonexistent. Today, the CRO role appears in 4,953 org charts—roughly 6% of the medium, large companies we track—making it one of the fastest-growing executive positions, especially in the technology (35%), services (22%), and financial services (9%) sectors. This evolution isn’t… More
Read more...The shift toward first-time general counsel
Viewed on Russell Reynolds A quiet but powerful transformation is reshaping the top legal offices of the world’s largest companies. In 2024, 54% of Fortune 500 general counsel appointments were internal promotions—and every one of those was a first-time GC. An additional 6% were external first-timers, signaling a growing shift: potential is being prioritized over… More
Read more...Meet the AI-era General Counsel
Viewed in Fortune AI is quietly but quickly changing how legal work gets done. From contract drafting to research, AI tools are speeding things up and cutting out repetitive tasks. That’s good news for companies—if the tools are used the right way. Yes, there have been missteps: lawyers citing fake AI-generated cases in court made… More
Read more...The evolving CHRO role
Viewed in Russell Reynolds Today’s CHRO is no longer just the head of HR—they are a strategic architect of workforce transformation. As AI redefines work and trust in traditional institutions erodes, the CHRO is uniquely positioned to drive innovation, resilience, and responsible leadership at the top. Key Shifts in the CHRO Role Strategic Partner at… More
Read more...How Supply Chain Officers are shaking up org structures
The Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) has evolved from a logistics expert to a corporate strategist, steering companies through a storm of global disruptions, shifting trade policies, and digital transformation.
A recent survey of 68 CSCOs reveals the key challenges and priorities shaping the role in 2025.
Read more...Structuring your HR for 2030 and beyond
HR isn’t the only function evolving—every C-suite role must adapt to workforce shifts, AI integration, and increasing business complexity.
Research by Heidrick & Struggles, based on insights from 50+ Chief People Officers highlights three strategic imperatives for leaders looking to build resilient, high-performing organizations.
Read more...Chief Risk Officers are building resilience in a world of constant disruption
As institutions face climate change, geopolitical shifts, cybercrime, and economic turmoil, Chief Risk Officers are stepping up to future-proof their organizations.
CROs are transforming from crisis responders to strategic resilience architects.
Read more...The HR playbook: Balancing bold leadership with practical trends
In 2025, Chief Human Ressources Officers aren’t just gatekeepers of HR—they’re stewards of transformation, balancing the now and the next.
Egon Zehnder’s conversations with 16 Australian CHROs shed light on the skills needed to navigate a world buzzing with AI, ESG, DEI, and post-pandemic challenges.
Read more...Do you really need a Chief AI Officer?
Viewed in Russell Reynolds For C-suite leaders considering a Chief AI Officer (CAIO), it’s worth weighing how this role could best align with your AI ambitions. A CAIO can be transformative, especially if AI is central to driving your growth or reshaping products. But in some cases, AI leadership might be more effective within existing… More
Read more...Reinventing the role of VP Talent Management for lasting impact
Viewed in Egon Zehnder For VPs of Talent navigating today’s workforce complexities, reimagining talent management is essential. Here are some focused strategies for impactful, modern talent practices: Redefine Talent Pipelines: As competition for leadership intensifies, developing agile, adaptable pipelines is key. Prioritize initiatives that keep high-potential leaders engaged, like customizable career paths and targeted development… More
Read more...Is your CTO ready to drive business growth with AI?
Viewed in McKinsey As AI and tech continue to change the game, the role of the CTO has really stepped up. It’s not just about managing tech anymore—it’s about driving business value and strategy. Here’s what to focus on as you think about the future of the CTO role: From Tech Leader to Business Driver:… More
Read more...Seven tips for hiring exceptional product leaders
Viewed in Egon Zehnder Hiring the right product leader is crucial for any company’s success, but even seasoned executive recruiters can fall into common traps, leading to poor hires. Here are the top mistakes and how to avoid them according to Gowri Rao at Egon Zehnder: Overemphasis on Team Size: Recruiters often focus on candidates… More
Read more...Unlocking your CEO potential: The power of a Chief of Staff
Viewed in BCG As corporate leadership becomes more complex, the demands on CEOs intensify. Managing both strategic focus and day-to-day operations can be overwhelming. However, successful CEOs are finding a powerful solution: appointing a Chief of Staff (CoS) to enhance their leadership and drive organizational success. Why a Chief of Staff? A CoS is far… More
Read more...The rise of government affairs leaders in executive ranks
Viewed in Russell Reynolds In today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, effective government affairs leadership is critical. Russell Reynolds Associates’ research highlights the shifting perspectives of 55 government affairs leaders, revealing the need for strategic, proactive approaches to manage risks and guide organizations. Government affairs leaders emphasize the importance of being proactive on global issues, understanding the… More
Read more...Why investing in senior sales leaders drives organizational success
Viewed in Egon Zehnder In today’s volatile business environment, investing in senior sales leaders is crucial for organizational success. As described by the authors, senior sales leaders face unprecedented challenges such as shifting customer behaviors, inflation, talent shortages, and accelerated digitization. Evolving Sales Leadership These leaders must evolve from merely managing sales to becoming holistic… More
Read more...CEO expiration date: knowing when to say goodbye
Viewed in Fortune Determining the right time for a CEO to step down is a complex challenge for corporate America. While examples like Warren Buffett’s 54-year tenure at Berkshire Hathaway show long-term success, others like Fred Kindle’s brief but impactful three-year stint at ABB illustrate the opposite. On average, CEOs in the S&P 500 serve… More
Read more...Critical steps for new CEOs
Viewed in Spencer Stuart New CEOs aiming to establish high-performing executive teams face a pivotal task that can significantly impact organizational success. The authors’ Research shows that cohesive leadership teams correlate with accelerated revenue growth and increased profitability. However, building such teams requires decisive action and a clear vision from new CEOs. Decisive actions While… More
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