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
Account Executive (High Performer)
5-7 yearsSkills to master
- Consistent quota attainment, complex deal management, strong negotiation, product expertise, informal peer mentorship.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding 100% of quota for 3+ years.
- Often asked by peers for advice on deals or objections.
- Proactively helps onboard new reps or shares best practices.
- Demonstrates strong leadership potential without formal authority.
- 2
Senior Account Executive
3-5 years (after initial AE role)Skills to master
- Mastery of full sales cycle, strategic account planning, advanced value selling, proven ability to close large/complex deals.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently closing the largest or most complex deals in the team.
- Acts as a go-to resource for product knowledge or market insights.
- Takes initiative on team projects or process improvements.