The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has 1,000+ member retained executive search consultants, or marketing headhunters, around the world who specialize in recruitment of sales and marketing executives.

According to AESC member executive search firm Spencer Stuart's study called "CMO to CEO," the job of a senior marketing executive is constantly evolving. Marketing headhunters are now seeking candidates who can take on more responsibility for leadership and organization growth, offering some marketing executives, although not common, an opportunity to transition into the role of CEO. However, the study does point out that only a few CMOs and Marketing Directors will be able to make this transition due to the variance between the necessary skill sets of each role.

According to Spencer Stuart: "Marketers hoping to move into the top [CEO] job need to obtain exposure to international markets. Significant roles and responsibilities in several other functions—for example, being Vice President of Sales in a region or implementing a global project—help prepare for a General Management role in the future."