The C-suite landscape is fundamentally reshaped. It’s no longer enough to hire for deep functional expertise; today’s challenges demand a new blend of tech fluency, strategic foresight, and cross-functional agility. As we head into 2026, many organizations face a critical talent gap: finding leaders equipped to govern a world that didn’t even exist last year.
This shift is perhaps most evident in the marketing function, where the role has exploded in scope.
The CMO’s Evolution from Brand Steward to Growth Engine
The modern CMO is rapidly becoming the Chief Growth Officer (CGO), focusing on: Revenue Accountability: Direct ROI and P&L Ownership—making marketing a true financial partner to the CFO.
To meet these expanded expectations across the entire C-suite, the search has intensified for a new kind of executive.
The true talent gap is not about finding experienced leaders, but those with the propensity to adapt to rapid change and ambiguity. The new C-suite profile demands these critical competencies:
Organizations that proactively invest in reskilling current executives and strategically recruiting leaders who embody this new, future-forward profile will be the ones that define the new era.
###
Kimberly Melcer leads the firm’s Marketing practice. She specializes in recruiting for C-suite roles across the AdTech, MarTech, digital, and marketing sectors at start-ups, privately held companies, and public organizations.
Greenwich, CT, March 1, 2023 – RSR Partners, a leading board recruiting and executive search firm, announced today that Kimberly Melcer has joined the firm to lead their Marketing & Digital practice. Kimberly specializes in identifying leaders with digital transformation capabilities across the C-Suite, and especially within the marketing function. She works with start-ups, privately held, and public organizations. She has extensive experience within the AdTech, MarTech, and broader consumer and marketing services industries.
Prior to joining RSR, Kimberly helped lead the Digital practice at Buffkin / Baker. She transitioned to executive recruiting following a marketing and merchandising career in the fashion industry, most recently serving as Vice President of Global Merchandising at Armani Exchange. She started her career in the Macy’s Buying Program and later led the marketing and merchandising team within the non-beauty business at Avon.
“Ability to drive technological and digital transformation is increasingly a skill our clients are looking for on their boards and their leadership teams,” stated Brett Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of RSR. “Kimberly’s experience deepens and enhances our ability to access the talent our clients need to be at the forefront of innovation. Kimberly is a fantastic addition to our team as we continue to build service offerings that complement our existing strengths and add value for our clients.”
“There are incredible opportunities for leaders who operate at the convergence of data, technology, and marketing,” said Kimberly, “and the MarTech and AdTech landscape continues to evolve and grow. I was attracted to RSR’s collaborative culture and entrepreneurial spirit, especially since this area of expertise is welcomed across the firm and interconnects with other C-Suite functions. I’m excited to be a part of the firm’s future and its continued success.”
About RSR Partners
RSR Partners is a boutique professional services firm headquartered in Greenwich, CT, that specializes in helping Boards and CEOs with their most critical recruiting, selection, and succession needs. The firm was founded in 1993 by industry icon and Chairman Emeritus, Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Over the past 30 years, the firm has conducted thousands of projects for Boards and CEOs at public, private equity owned, and family-owned businesses across a range of industries including consumer goods and services, financial services, healthcare, industrial, and technology. To learn more about RSR Partners, click here.
###
Contacts
Lindsay Griesmeyer
+1 (203) 618-7076
media@rsrpartners.com
