Fully 71% of CEOs say they would give their CMO's performance a grade of "A" or "B," according to recent research from Boathouse.
The report was based on data from a survey conducted in January 2025 among 150 CEOs from US companies with $500 million or more in annual revenue. This was the fourth edition of Boathouse's annual CEO survey.
Some 24% of CEOs in the 2025 survey (Study 4) say they would give their CMO's performance an "A" grade, and 47% say they would give their CMO's performance a "B" grade.
CEOs are least likely to give their CMO an "A" grade in areas like their ability to integrate AI/machine-learning and their ability to drive company growth.
Half of CEOs say they believe their CMO tends to play it safe (take precautions and avoid risks). Only 39% say their CMO tends to play big (inspire other members of the C-suite).
Some 51% of CEOs say their CMO is at the core of their company's growth strategy, and 49% say their CMO is at the periphery of their firm's growth strategy.
About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted in January 2025 among 150 CEOs from US companies with $500 million or more in annual revenue.
