Are we screwed for C-level roles especially compared to MBB and PE?

Mainly asking VP+ but obviously interested in any thoughts.

It seems like CFO and CEO are the only two possible exit paths I've seen from IB and both are rare compared to MBB and PE. Without directly owning a P&L getting these jobs seems to rely more on C-level and Board relationships and it's hard to get operational chops.

Lastly, when is the best time to exit to increase chance for these roles.

The Corp Dev head path seems like a dead end unless it's a specific company that uses that role as a feeder

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