Opinion

Why the chief strategy officer is the most dynamic member of the C-suite

The chief strategy officer can be a valuable and influential member of the C-suite. But the role is less clearly defined than most other C-level positions. The strategy chief’s remit will be determined, in large part, by the needs of the chief executive

Sequence of businessmen working on digital tablets

Business in 2024 is marked by extreme uncertainty. Among the many challenges faced by senior business leaders, some of the most concerning are the global economic outlook, domestic politics and social unrest, rising geopolitical tensions, transformations in disruptive technology such as AI, and continuously evolving consumer behaviour. 

Given the current business environment, the opportunity, and indeed, the expectation, for the chief strategy officer (CSO) to add value in supporting the CEO and the board has never been greater. However, the question of how exactly the CSO adds value in practice is challenging. 

The CSO’s remit can vary considerably across different organisations and leadership teams and is typically determined by the needs, personality and effectiveness of the CEO.