Corporate leadership is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation and C-suite structures are evolving in ways we haven’t seen before. Executive teams are growing in size, but at the same time, they’re becoming leaner in spirit, with roles merging and new responsibilities emerging that didn’t even exist a decade ago.

Between 2018 and 2023, leadership teams grew by an average of 23%, while job descriptions for these roles expanded by over 20% in their required skill sets.

This isn’t just a trend among startups looking to save on headcount. Even global powerhouses like Salesforce are embracing hybrid executive roles, appointing leaders to a newly created COFO position, blending the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Experts believe this goes beyond a cost-saving tactic. They see it as a realignment designed to build leadership teams that are more adaptable, collaborative, and resilient.

Why It Matters: As the lines between executive roles blur, companies face both opportunity and risk. When done right, merging C-suite positions can promote sharper decision-making, stronger collaboration, and a more holistic view of the business. But without clear intentions and thoughtful design, it can easily lead to executive overload and organizational confusion. Businesses that invest in redefining these roles strategically will be better positioned to drive growth and avoid burnout at the very top of the house.

• Leadership Teams Are Expanding, But So Are Expectations: Executive teams are getting bigger and they’re becoming more versatile. Data shows a 23% growth in leadership teams over five years, with job postings calling for a wider range of cross-functional skills. Today’s executives are expected to think beyond their traditional silos, combining expertise in operations, finance, strategy, and even people management to steer their organizations.

• Hybrid Roles Should Be Intentional, Not Reactionary: Merging executive roles can be a smart play, but only if it’s purpose-driven. Experts warn against combining roles solely to trim budgets, as this often leads to leader burnout and diminished effectiveness. Instead, companies should view hybrid roles as a chance to rethink their leadership model and focus on building positions that align with long-term strategy.

• Clear Role Definition Prevents Burnout and Confusion: When responsibilities are muddled, even the best leaders can flounder. Clarity is crucial, executives need to know exactly what’s expected of them, how success is measured, and where to focus their energy. Defining roles well, setting boundaries, and encouraging healthy delegation can make the difference between thriving leaders and overwhelmed ones.

• CHROs Are Moving to the Center of Strategy: The rise of the Chief Human Resources Officer is a notable example of evolving leadership dynamics. Once seen as a purely operational role, today’s CHROs are deeply involved in shaping company culture and strategy. Effective HR leaders bring both business acumen and human insight, helping companies understand employee motivations, performance gaps, and opportunities for growth.

• Smaller Executive Teams Can Accelerate Decision-Making: Lean doesn’t always mean limited. Carefully curated leadership teams can actually boost efficiency. With fewer voices at the table, decisions can be made faster and with more alignment, creating a tighter-knit executive team that’s agile and responsive to business needs.

Go Deeper -> As C-Suite Roles Merge, Here’s How to Reconfigure Your Leadership Team – Inc.