How to Hire a B2B Saas Marketing Leader

Show notes

Hiring a marketing leader is not just about someone's skills and experience but creating a partnership between the CEO and the head of marketing.

Avoma CEO Aditya Kothadiya provides first-hand insight into the process that he recently took to hire a director of marketing.

Aditya says one of the keys to success is hiring the right person based on a company's growth stage.

Once a marketing leader comes on board, Aditya said it is important to align around expectations and goals so the rules of engagement are established.

Key takeaways

Hire a marketing leader who fits the company's current stage. Earlier hires failed for Aditya because the candidates were great at a different stage, not because they were weak.

Set goals with a new marketing leader together. Handing a new hire lofty targets in the first months sets them up to fail, and more aggressive goals can come later.

CMO tenure often breaks down because the marketing leader doesn't understand the CEO's vision and context, not because of weak skills. Sharing values and role models early helps feedback land.

Listen to customers at the tactical level, but keep your own point of view on vision. If feedback fits your vision, act on it. If not, ask why several times to find the real need.

Cold email works when it is relevant and researched. Unique subject lines for each prospect, plus about five minutes of research per lead, took open rates from an expected 40% to 80% or 90%.

How to Hire a B2B Saas Marketing Leader

Show notes

Tell me what's going on with your marketing.