The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director, Corporate Strategy & Insights (L6)
3-5 years at L6Skills to master
- Leading a large strategic portfolio, managing a team of managers, driving the annual strategic planning process, and consistently influencing senior executive decisions. You'd need to have a track record of delivering significant P&L impact.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeds targets for strategic influence and P&L impact at the Director level.
- Demonstrates exceptional judgment in highly ambiguous, enterprise-level strategic challenges.
- Has successfully led and integrated at least one major M&A initiative.
- Trusted advisor to the CEO and other C-suite executives on critical strategic matters.
- 2
Partner at a Top-Tier Strategy Consulting Firm
5-10 years as Partner/PrincipalSkills to master
- Developing and selling multi-million-pound strategic engagements, leading large client teams, building deep industry expertise, and cultivating executive client relationships. You'd need to demonstrate a shift from advisory to ownership mindset.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to originate and lead complex strategic transformations for Fortune 500 clients.
- Deep expertise in our industry sector (Technology / SaaS / FinTech).
- Strong track record of business development and P&L management within a consulting firm.
- Clear desire to move from an advisory role to an executive operating role with direct accountability.
- 3
Senior Investment Banker (Managing Director level)
5-10 years as MDSkills to master
- Executing complex M&A transactions, capital raises, and corporate finance advisory for major clients. Building and managing client relationships at the CEO/CFO level. You'd need to pivot from deal execution to long-term strategic vision.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led numerous multi-hundred-million-pound M&A transactions.
- Deep understanding of valuation, financial markets, and capital allocation.
- Strong network of C-suite relationships within our industry.
- Desire to move from transactional advisory to long-term strategic ownership within a single company.
- 4
Head of Strategy for a Large Business Unit
3-7 years in a large BU strategy roleSkills to master
- Developing and executing strategy for a significant P&L, managing cross-functional teams, and influencing business unit leadership. You'd need to demonstrate the ability to scale your strategic thinking to an enterprise level.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of driving significant growth and profitability within a large business unit.
- Demonstrated ability to think beyond a single business unit and understand enterprise-wide implications.
- Experience presenting strategic plans to the executive leadership team and contributing to corporate strategy.
- Strong leadership skills with a focus on talent development and team building.