PE · 8 min read
What PE Operating Partners Actually Want From a CMO
Most CMOs hired into PE backed companies fail in the first 12 months. The reason is rarely talent. It is fit with the operating partner’s real job.
By Chris Lundell · Published May 21, 2026
Full essay copy lives at /content/insights/2026-05-16-what-pe-operating-partners-want-from-a-cmo.md. Until Sanity is wired, this template renders the summary and the CTAs. The full markdown drafts are ready for editor review and import.
Pillar posts are written in Chris Lundell's voice: plain English, operator first, no AI flavored filler. Each essay names a lever, explains why it matters, and ends with a concrete next step.
Next step
Take the Growth Assessment Scorecard.
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Chris Lundell is the founder of CMO Grow. Three time CEO across enterprise software and residential solar. Chief Compliance Officer and Board Member, SunPower.