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/VP, Technology Strategy & Scouting (L6)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering the alignment of scouting efforts with business unit strategy, making portfolio-level investment decisions, and effectively reporting to the C-suite. You'd have already managed a significant innovation budget and a large team.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully shaped the technology portfolio for a major business unit, demonstrating significant P&L impact.
- Consistently delivered strategic insights that led to successful new product launches or major cost savings.
- Built and managed a high-performing team of Directors and Managers.
- Proven ability to influence and present to the Board and C-suite on a regular basis.
- 2
Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in a large organisation
5-8 yearsSkills to master
- Deep expertise in a specific scientific or technical domain, combined with executive leadership experience. You'd have been responsible for the overall scientific direction and technical architecture of a company, often managing large R&D labs.
You're ready to move on when
- Led the scientific or technical vision for a large, complex organisation.
- Successfully driven major scientific breakthroughs or technological advancements to commercialisation.
- Managed large R&D budgets and diverse scientific teams.
- Recognised as a thought leader in your specific technical field.
- 3
Head of Corporate Development or M&A for a major corporation
5-7 yearsSkills to master
- Expertise in identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic acquisitions, divestitures, and partnerships. This role demands strong financial acumen, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple multi-million-pound M&A transactions from identification to integration.
- Developed and executed corporate development strategies that significantly impacted market share or capabilities.
- Built a strong network within the investment banking and venture capital communities.
- Demonstrated strong financial modelling and valuation expertise.