Deloitte Insights' recent analysis reveals a significant shift in the skills required for Chief Strategy Officers (CSOs). Tracking 825 open CSO roles from 2018 to 2023, Deloitte found a growing demand for quantitative and financial skills, reflecting organizations' need to navigate economic uncertainties with greater precision. The percentage of CSO postings seeking financial backgrounds increased from 18% in 2018 to 32% in 2023.
Similarly, the demand for skills in analysis, research, and financial modeling more than doubled during this period. These trends suggest a move away from traditional customer and marketing-related competencies, which have seen a marked decline in job postings. For entrepreneurs, this shift underscores the importance of developing strong financial and analytical skills, as data-driven decision-making becomes increasingly critical for navigating uncertainty and driving business growth.
This shift is driven by several factors, including the increasing complexity of business environments and the rise of digitally connected organizations. As strategy functions become more integrated with business units, CSOs are expected to collaborate closely with data science teams to provide timely and actionable insights. Deloitte's 2023 Chief Strategy Officer survey also highlights a trend towards dynamic scenario planning, enabling organizations to adapt strategies in near real-time. The evolving role of the CSO, as outlined by Deloitte, highlights the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in driving organizational resilience and value creation amidst uncertainty.
