The Changing MO of the CMO

Book excerpt: MaryLee Sachs explores the relationship and increasing blur between the marketing discipline and the public relations profession. How do the two mix? What is their role in a world where the growth of digital and social media has contributed to an increasing lack of control over how brands are perceived? Drawing on the experiences of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) from 10 iconic organizations with business and consumer brands across the globe, The Changing MO of the CMO explores how some organizations are making the most of a blended approach to communications and marketing and how CMOs can respond to and prepare for their new responsibilities. It illustrates how PR can provide: ¢ authenticity, relevance and advocacy to marketing; ¢ integration of an organization's approach to paid, owned and earned media channels; ¢ a strategic risk management tool for assuring reputation and managing crisis communication. Changing the traditional roles of marketing and communications may be an imperative for organizations. That doesn't make it easy. This readable and credible short guide provides a sense of the opportunities and obstacles involved and the vision required to change the culture of marketing and communications. The Changing MO of the CMO is an important book for developing a new model of marketing; it should be read by all CMOs charged with defining and implementing changes.