Companies and Executives Value Strategic Communications More Than Ever
Just before the end of 2025, Korn Ferry published the results of a survey of top communicators at Fortune 500 companies – and gave strategic communicators a big boost of momentum heading into 2026.
Across the board, the study shows that companies and executives value strategic communications more than ever. Here are a few key statistics/anecdotes from the study:
More than half of the senior-most communications professionals in the Fortune 500 sit on the company’s executive committee.
Since 2023, there’s been a 17% increase in the number of chief communicators who report directly to the CEO.
81% of chief communicators today report to the CEO or the chief marketer, administrator, legal counsel or corporate affairs officer – up from 72% two years ago.
Corporate boards are more involved than ever in the selection of chief communicators – and the overall management of the communications function.
9 in 10 chief communicators today say they oversee corporate communications, executive communications, internal communications, issues and crisis management and media relations. (This is just under half of the elements of my Umbrella Model for Strategic Communications.)
On average, base compensation for chief communicators has increased 12%-14% since 2023.
The annual median base salary for a chief communicator is between $400,000 and $450,000, with the annual median total compensation coming in just short of $1 million.
I’ve been saying for years now that the communications profession has evolved in big ways. It’s driving more value, and it’s responsible for more everyday activities within organizations. These numbers prove it. What’s more, executives and boards aren’t just recognizing that value – they’re rewarding it and considering it essential to growth and future viability.
No matter what happens in the economy in 2026, let’s make sure strategic communications continues to evolve and become known as the indispensable corporate engine it is.
