Brand Rounds research · 2026
State of theHealthcare Marketing and Communications Executive
Who holds the top marketing and communications seat at U.S. health systems, how they got there, and how fast the role is changing.
15-page PDF · Data through September 2026
205current leaders profiled
40%started in their role in 2024 or later
82%have worked outside healthcare
Why it matters
The top marketing and communications leader at a health system now runs more than marketing, turns over faster than ever, and brings a career built well beyond healthcare.
4 in 10 leaders in the seat today started in 2024 or later.
The report tracks five years of leadership changes and what the churn means for the teams they lead.
Portrait of a healthcare CMCO
Woman, about 50
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
She learned the craft at an agency, spent most of her career inside health systems, and was hired from another system about three years ago, after 25 years of experience.
Age 22264750
AgencyHealth systemsCurrent Chief role
- MBAplus a bachelor’s in communications
- 25 yrsof career before the Chief title
- Externalhired from another health system
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- How the role’s scope has grown beyond marketing and communications
- Five years of leadership turnover, and where new leaders come from
- Career length, outside experience and education behind the top marketing and communications role
- A composite portrait of today’s typical healthcare Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
2026 State of the Healthcare Marketing and Communications Executive
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