Almost half of marketing teams restructured in 2023, survey reveals

Last year was a turbulent one for marketing teams — indeed, almost half (46.5%) of them restructured in the last 12 months.

The percentage of teams changing their setups has grown, according to Marketing Week’s 2024 Career & Salary Survey, which reveals the flux teams find themselves in. Last year’s survey found 41.1% of teams restructured in the previous 12 months – reflecting a five percentage point increase this year.

However, both figures are down on 2022, when 56.5% of teams restructured in the aftermath of the pandemic. The unrest experienced by a considerable chunk of marketing teams over the past few years suggests many brands are still looking at how to position their teams best to grow and survive the current poor market conditions. 

Despite restructures increasing, fewer marketing teams merged with other departments and functions in the last 12 months than the previous year. The latest data shows 28.5% of teams have been merged with other functions, down from 34.5% the previous year. 

Marketing Week digs into the impact of restructures in this in-depth feature, revealing advice on how marketers can navigate these unsettling periods.

Over the coming weeks, Marketing Week will be publishing a series of exclusive news and features based on the findings of the 2024 Career & Salary Survey, including the latest on skills, outsourcing and education. Click here to view everything we’ve published so far.