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
Global Director of Product Marketing (from large enterprise)
3-5 years as a Global Director leading a significant product portfolio.Skills to master
- Mastering multi-market GTM execution, managing large PMM teams across regions, and consistently delivering against P&L targets.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistent over-performance on market share and revenue contribution targets.
- Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top PMM talent.
- Strong relationships with C-suite peers in Product and Sales.
- Demonstrated ability to influence company-wide strategic decisions.
- 2
VP of Marketing (with strong PMM background)
5-7 years as a VP of Marketing, with a clear focus on product-centric growth.Skills to master
- Broadening scope beyond product to include brand, demand generation, and corporate communications, while still retaining a strong GTM focus.
You're ready to move on when
- Successful leadership of diverse marketing functions, showing holistic business acumen.
- Track record of integrating PMM strategy with broader marketing campaigns.
- Strong external presence and proven ability to manage brand reputation.
- Deep understanding of full-funnel marketing metrics and attribution.
- 3
Head of Strategy / Chief Commercial Officer (from another company)
Coming from a similar C-suite role in a relevant industry.Skills to master
- Translating broad commercial strategy into actionable GTM plans, and having a deep understanding of market dynamics and competitive landscapes.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrable experience in defining and executing enterprise-level commercial strategies.
- Proven ability to drive significant revenue growth and market expansion.
- Strong understanding of our specific industry and customer base.
- A track record of successful M&A integration and strategic partnerships.