CGO vs. CMO: Which One Will Drive Your Growth?
So, your business is primed to scale. You’re eyeing that next big milestone, but which growth exec should be in the driver’s seat: Chief Growth Officer (CGO) or Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)?
Let’s break it down.
The Difference: CGO vs. CMO
The CMO? Think marketing maestro. They’re strategists who create your brand’s voice, build your messaging, and understand exactly how to get in front of – and win over – your target audience. A CMO knows what makes customers tick and how to create campaigns that convert. The goal? Market dominance.
Then there’s the CGO. Part marketing, part strategy, part operations. A CGO is broader, often overseeing the big picture of growth across the business, from marketing and sales to product development and customer experience. They think beyond brand campaigns to ask: how can we drive sustainable growth across all aspects of the business? Their goal is long-term, sustainable impact, and they’re laser-focused on the entire journey to get there.
Who’s Right for Your Business?
Stage 1: Just Starting Out? Lean into a CMO.
When you’re still building your brand’s foundation, you probably need a CMO. They’ll bring focus to your brand story, develop your audience strategy, and create traction in a competitive market. Think about it this way: without a strong, recognisable brand, growth has no chance to begin with. Your CMO lays that groundwork.
Stage 2: Ready to Scale? Enter the CGO.
At this stage, it’s all about expansion – more customers, more markets, more revenue. And that’s where a CGO shines. They’ll oversee not just marketing but all the key levers that drive growth, helping align your entire team behind a clear path forward. They dig deep into data and strategy to keep your business growing across every department.
But Wait—Does It Have to Be One or the Other?
In a perfect world, you’d have both. But here’s the truth: startups don’t always have the resources for two high-level execs. And that’s okay. The right choice depends on where you’re at and where you want to go.
If brand and audience-building are your top priorities, go with a CMO. If your systems are set but growth feels flat, it’s time to bring in a CGO. Either way, both roles are important – just at different stages in the game.
The Bottom Line?
No matter which one you choose, make sure they’re not just experienced but visionary. A true growth executive doesn’t just see the next step – they see the next five.