What it takes to be a CPO

The article argues that Chief Product Officer roles have multiplied since 2020 as companies become more customer-centric, but the title is inconsistently applied and poorly defined. It distinguishes the CPO, who sets and aligns the company's portfolio-scale product strategy with the CEO, from the VP of Product, who oversees efficient delivery of that strategy. The author links each role to different skills and experience, with skills described as things a person can do and experience as things they have done. The piece closes with practical steps for a VP who aspires to the CPO seat. It matters because it gives product leaders a clearer vocabulary for the scope of the two roles and a path for career growth.

01Key takeaways

• Distinguish strategy-setting (CPO) from strategy-delivery (VP of Product) when defining or evaluating these roles.
• Treat a C-level title as meaningful only when it comes with authority to make strategic decisions.
• Ask your manager and peers where you excel and where you need to grow before pursuing the next level.
• Volunteer for projects that fill your specific experience gaps rather than waiting for a promotion.
• Build executive perspective by reading business books and joining leadership development programs.
• Recognize that skills can be demonstrated without prior experience, so capable people can grow into roles early.

02Key sections

Rise of the CPO title

Companies increasingly named first CPOs in 2020 as customer-centricity became a business priority. Many people now list the title, sometimes via internal promotion and sometimes via outside hires.

What a CPO actually does

The CPO sets and leads company product strategy as a C-level partner to the CEO with real decision authority. The title is sometimes diluted when it is given without that authority.

VP of Product versus CPO

VPs focus on delivering the product strategy efficiently, while CPOs build portfolio-scale, multi-geography strategy and rally the organization around it. The more complex the business, the more likely it needs a CPO.

Skills and experience by level

The skills a person can demonstrate and the experiences they have had both prepare them for each level, with experience at the VP level preparing someone for the CPO role. Prior experience is a good indicator of future ability but not a strict requirement.

Closing the gap

Leaders aiming for the CPO role should identify their gaps with their boss and peers, volunteer for stretch projects, join development programs, and study executive-level business thinking.

03From the post

“So what does it take to become a CPO? Let’s start by exploring what a CPO does. Though this varies in each organization, the role centers on setting and leading the company’s product strategy. As a C-level position, the person who holds it should have authority to make decisions. They should be viewed as a partner for the CEO to…”

Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.