What: The role of Chief Marketing Officers in the fashion industry has evolved significantly.

Why it is important: CMOs in the fashion industry have taken on more significant responsibilities, requiring a holistic understanding of the business, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to deliver results while staying true to the brand's long-term strategy.

Once primarily responsible for advertising, CMOs now have broader responsibilities such as maintaining brand presence, organizing live events, and building the brand's personality across different channels. To excel in this role, CMOs need a deep understanding of the business, including product, channel strategies, and supply chain. They must also be data-driven decision-makers, proficient in analytics, and work closely with various teams within the organization. Successful CMOs are increasingly seen as potential candidates for CEO positions, indicating the growing importance of marketing in driving overall business growth.

CMOs today must not only be creative visionaries but also possess strong analytical skills. With the emergence of digital marketing and the need for data-driven decision-making, CMOs need to be well-versed in using analytics tools and collaborating with teams across the organization. They are expected to experiment with emerging technologies, stay on the cutting edge, and deliver quick wins while maintaining a long-term vision for the brand. Building internal communication and gaining support from colleagues and executives are critical for CMOs to successfully implement their strategies. The role of CMO offers opportunities for growth and advancement, with many marketers transitioning into CEOs or securing board seats. In addition to focusing on customers, CMOs must also consider the interests of shareholders and manage relationships to secure funding for the brand.

The evolution of the CMO