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Why So Many C.E.O.s Are Getting a Chief of Staff
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- Richard Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, has relied on a chief of staff for 16 years, with the role evolving from administrative support to a strategic partner involved in significant projects like developing a special camera for Christopher Nolan’s film "The Odyssey."
- The chief of staff position is gaining popularity, with job postings increasing 85% since early 2020, outpacing growth for executive assistants and secretaries, as companies seek senior-level aides to help executives manage priorities and execution.
- Unlike executive assistants who handle scheduling, chiefs of staff help determine strategic priorities and whether tasks should be undertaken at all, often earning between $150,000 and $200,000 annually depending on experience.
- Executive search firms report rising demand for chiefs of staff not only for CEOs but also for lower-level executives such as vice presidents in marketing, communications, and finance, reflecting the role’s expanding importance across organizations.
