Hiring a CMO Won’t Save You (Yet)
- Kristin Oelke
- Nov 7
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
By Kristin Oelke, Managing Director, Growth Services, Brightrose Ventures, and author of Trust: Unlocking B2B Growth in Today’s AI World
The knee-jerk reaction after an acquisition? “Let’s hire a CMO.” Great idea… eventually. But if you think one exec can instantly rebuild GTM, you’re setting them up for failure.
Gartner reports that the average CMO tenure is now just 40 months - a sign that expectations are high and patience is short. Dropping in a CMO with no team, no infrastructure, and no quick wins? Recipe for turnover.
The myth? A single hire can accelerate growth. The reality? CMOs need infrastructure, not magic wands.
That’s why many PE-backed firms are using fractional GTM models first - build the foundation, deliver early wins, then set up a new CMO to thrive.
At Brightrose Ventures, our Integrated, Fractional Marketing Team plugs in fast to deliver execution and momentum, so when you do hire that CMO, they inherit a machine that’s already running.
Because CMOs aren’t saviors. They’re leaders—and leaders need teams.
About Kristin Oelke
Kristin Oelke brings 20 years of experience modernizing and scaling marketing functions across Big Tech, high-growth startups, and global partner ecosystems. She partners with investors, founders, and C-Suite leaders to design and execute strategies that drive measurable revenue impact.
She is also a frequent speaker and the author of TRUST: Unlocking B2B Growth Strategies in Today’s AI World, where she explores how companies build credibility, reduce buyer friction, and scale predictably through transparent execution, public proof points, and trust-driven content.
FAQs
What are the top reasons SMB and mid-market tech companies work with advisory firms?
Companies partner with advisory firms to tap into battle-tested expertise, access fractional support without long-term overhead, and gain faster connections to trusted resources proven to work with early-stage and scaling businesses. Advisory partners also bring fresh perspective, speed to execution, and the ability to build trust with investors through transparent reporting and measurable outcomes.
How are Brightrose Growth Services different from other tech advisory offerings?
Brightrose Growth Services combine proven operator experience with fast, execution-first support built for today’s AI-driven B2B environment. We help companies break through digital noise with content that educates and resonates, build scalable tech foundations, and deliver the proof points and reporting that earn trust with both buyers and investors.
What makes the Brightrose Growth Services fractional model more effective than hiring in-house?
Rather than relying on a single marketing leader, Brightrose Growth Services provide a senior-led team across demand gen, CRM, lifecycle, content, and analytics. We accelerate growth with integrated execution, a more efficient demand engine, transparent reporting, and trust-building content—all at a predictable monthly cost.
How can startups begin leveraging Brightrose Growth Services on a small budget?
Most begin with a Brightrose Assessment to get a clear, prioritized plan and identify immediate quick wins. From there, startups activate a fractional team that scales with the business—gaining early proof points, trusted content, a scalable tech stack, and investor-ready reporting without overinvesting.
