CPO Post: The Chief Purpose Officer position isn't posted directly online, as it's a key position within the C-suite, alongside top positions like CEO, CFO, and COO. Therefore, the path to obtaining it is slightly different.

Why do companies need a CPO?

These days, a new position is quietly gaining ground in the corporate world: Chief Purpose Officer (CPO). The name may sound a bit strange, but the world's largest companies are taking it seriously. Companies like Ubisoft, Virgin Atlantic, Cisco, Sephora, and KPMG have already created such positions.

What is this position? Do companies really need it, and how do you become a CPO?

Is this the 'Chief Purpose Officer'?

Many companies use big slogans like "We will change the world," "Our purpose is not just to make money," or "We want to do something for society." But what happens to these slogans in real life? Employees often find these statements superficial and false. The daily grind of the office remains the same: targets, profits, and quarterly results.

This is where the Chief Purpose Officer comes in. This position's job is simple in theory, but incredibly difficult in practice. The CPO works to balance the company's lofty promises with its actual decisions. He or she ensures that the company doesn't lose sight of its stated purpose in pursuit of profits.

The CPO works at the intersection of a company's strategy, culture, and ethics. In real life, their job looks something like this:

• Asking tough questions in leadership meetings: When the big bosses are sitting around making decisions, the CPO stands there and asks, 'Does this decision really align with our long-term goals? Are we compromising our values ​​in pursuit of profits, or are we truly creating value for society?'
• Changing joining and rewards patterns: Some CPOs change the hiring and salary-bonus systems in such a way that employees are rewarded not only for meeting targets but also for working in accordance with the company's objectives.
• Turning slogans into reality: The company makes big speeches about doing something for the society, but the CPO sees whether these things become a part of the daily work of the office or not.

After all, why do companies need CPO?

In the past, companies focused primarily on pleasing shareholders, but the world has changed. In this era of AI, economic changes, and constantly changing scenarios, people are expecting more from companies than just profits.

In 2019, the US Business Roundtable issued a major statement that companies' purpose should be for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This has increased pressure on companies to communicate their purpose.

How is the condition of CPO in India?

The story of CPOs in India is quite interesting. In October 2017, Roche Pharma India appointed Lara Yumi Tsuji Bezerra as India's first Chief Purpose Officer. This was the first time a company had created this position in India. The company's biggest problem was the fragmented management processes across departments. Each department cared only about its own KPIs and nothing else. When Lara was brought in, the first question she asked was, "What's the first thing I should do?" The answer she received was, "Create a new shared aspiration."

What education and experience are required to become a CPO?

• A graduation in any subject is required, but subjects like business, management, social sciences, public policy, or sustainability are more useful.
• Master's degree (MBA), Master's in Public Administration, Sustainability, or Social Innovation preferred.
  Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience required, whether in non-profit, for-profit, government, or philanthropic growth, business development,
• Experience in strategic planning or fundraising is essential.

CPO jobs aren't posted directly online, so the path to getting one is a little different:

• Executive Search Firms (Headhunters): Large companies hire specialized headhunting agencies to find CPOs.
• Networking on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the biggest platform for top leadership positions.
• Promotion from within the company: For example, in Roche India, Lara was first the Managing Director, then she was made CPO.
• CEO and Board Approval: The CPO must report directly to the CEO and attend strategic meetings before he can actually deliver.

How much salary does a CPO get?

According to the US website ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a Chief Purpose Officer in the US is $166,511 (approximately Rs 1.4 crore) as of June 2026. However, this figure can vary depending on the company and experience.

While CPO is a relatively new position, there isn't much data available on its salary. However, it's a key position within the C-suite (top positions like CEO, CFO, and COO), and therefore, the salary is commensurate.