In this bonus episode, Shahar Silbershatz is joined by executive search veteran Michael Patino, founder of Patino Associates, to unpack their latest Global CCO Turnover Study. From turnover trends to succession planning gaps, Mike offers a candid, data-backed view of the evolving corporate communications landscape — and what companies (and aspiring leaders) must do to keep pace.

Drawing on over 25 years in executive search and talent advisory, Mike shares eye-opening stats, regional comparisons, and practical guidance for navigating a fast-changing communications environment shaped by AI and shifting CEO expectations.

🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode

• Why CCO turnover surged post-COVID — and why it’s stabilizing now
• Why 60% of CCO hires are external — and what that says about succession planning
• Why communications leads the way in gender balance at the C-level
• How tenure and turnover differ across the US, UK, Germany, and France — and what cultural and structural factors play a role
• Why AI isn’t replacing CCOs — but those who can use it wisely will stand out
• 📉 Why the “CCO+” trend is overstated — and the real shift is toward strategic advisory, not empire-building

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to AI in Strategic Operations

00:37 Welcome to the Podcast

00:49 Meet Michael Patino

01:16 Mike's Career Journey

01:50 About Patino Associates

03:57 The Global CCO Turnover Report

05:15 Key Trends in CCO Hiring

06:53 Gender Balance in Communications

09:39 External vs. Internal CCO Hires

14:46 Challenges in Succession Planning

24:39 Regional Differences in CCO Turnover

30:36 Impact of AI on the CCO Role

35:49 Future of the CCO Role

38:48 Advice for Aspiring Communicators

41:03 Surprising Findings from the Study

42:26 Conclusion and Farewell

Visit https://patinoassociates.com/ for more.

Music

Alex Guz from Pixabay

To stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.