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
VP of Global Customer Success/Experience
5-10 years at VP levelSkills to master
- Mastering global team leadership, multi-million-pound P&L management, driving NRR/CLV for large business units, and influencing C-suite peers on strategic initiatives.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding NRR targets for a large, complex business unit.
- Successfully leading major CX transformation programmes (e.g., new platform implementation).
- Building and retaining a high-performing leadership team (Directors, Senior Managers).
- Strong reputation as a strategic thinker and effective cross-functional leader.
- 2
General Manager / Business Unit Leader
7-12 years in GM/BU leadershipSkills to master
- Full P&L ownership for a significant business unit, including sales, marketing, product, and customer service. Developing a holistic business strategy and leading all functions.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrated ability to grow a business unit significantly (revenue, market share).
- Proven capability to lead diverse functional teams (sales, product, operations).
- Strong understanding of all aspects of business operations and market dynamics.
- Experience presenting comprehensive business plans and results to the Board.
- 3
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
8-15 years as COO or similarSkills to master
- Optimising end-to-end operational efficiency, driving cross-functional execution, managing large-scale teams, and ensuring seamless delivery across the organisation.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully optimising complex operational processes across multiple departments.
- Proven ability to drive significant cost efficiencies while maintaining quality.
- Exceptional programme management skills for large, company-wide initiatives.
- Strong track record of improving organisational effectiveness and scalability.