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Four ways CMOs can strengthen C-suite relationships

Discover why revenue, automation, and brand wins can spur executive alignment

CMO perspectives: C-suite relationships

Strong C-suite relationships are built on understanding different perspectives and priorities. How can CMOs better connect with fellow executives? Pulled from the most recent Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey and CFO Signals data, we’ve outlined what matters most to CEOs and CFOs—and how CMOs can align marketing’s strategies with their objectives. 

Get in sync

Here are four ways marketing officers can better support CEO and CFO goals.

See the bigger picture

Deloitte research underscores the need for stronger C-suite relationships

of CEOs are likely to make budget cuts over the next 12 months. ¹

of CFOs say now is a good time to be taking risks. ²

of CFOs say efficiency and productivity is one of the top internal enterprise challenges today. ³

of CEOs says GenAI has met or exceeded expectations. ⁴

“Conversations with the CEO/CFO get really hard when you try to explain KPIs that don’t ladder up to the business or make sense to them. Marketers’ first job is to drive sales and traffic.”

 

— George Felix, Chief Marketing Officer, Chili’s Grill & Bar

About the CMO Program

Deloitte’s CMO Program helps bolster the value CMOs deliver as they navigate the complexities of the role, anticipate upcoming market trends, and respond to challenges with agile marketing throughout their career journey.

1 Deloitte, Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey: Fall 2025, November 2025.
2 Deloitte, CFO Signals, as of December 2025.
3 Ibid.
4 Deloitte, Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey: Spring 2025, May 2025.