04-09-2009: CMOs, not CFOs, Grow Companies MEMPHIS, TN (WKNO) - Today, twice as many CEOs come from a finance background. In the past, CEOs often came through marketing, rather than finance or operations. This trend toward former CFOs probably began when quarterly financial reporting became front page news, and CEOs began running their companies for Wall Street. Chief marketing officers play offense. They create revenue, and it's revenue that grows companies.

John Malmo is chairman emeritus of Archer/Malmo Advertising and an independent marketing consultant. To reach Mr. Malmo - or to buy a copy of his book When on the Mountain There is no Tiger, Monkey Is King - go to johnmalmo.com. © Copyright 2009, WKNO