Observed Signal · Feb 18, 2026 · Research Publication · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
State of the CMO Report: Creative Thinking Tops CMO Skills
In this CMSWire CX Decoded podcast episode, VP of Research Sarah Kimmel discusses findings from the first 'State of the CMO' report, based on a survey of 709 marketing leaders. The research reveals that creative thinking ranks as the top skill for marketing leaders, ahead of data and technical skills by a 22-percentage-point gap. It also found that 59% of CMOs say leadership expects measurable results from all marketing activities, 75% have increased technical competencies in the past three years, and a majority are not concerned about changing privacy regulations. The report is available for free from CMSWire.
Provides survey data on CMO skills, technology adoption, and privacy concerns; relevant for MarTech and marketing leadership but not a major industry development.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- CMSWire's 'State of the CMO' report is based on a survey of 709 marketing leaders.
- Creative thinking ranked as the top skill for marketing leaders, with a 22-percentage-point lead over other skills.
- 59% of marketing leaders said their leadership expects measurable results from every marketing activity.
- 75% of marketing leaders reported needing to increase technical competencies in the past three years.
- More than half of surveyed marketing leaders said they are only slightly or not at all concerned about privacy regulations impacting their role.
Related Market Signals & Shifts
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