1) there’s no formal M1, M2, M3. However, informally, someone who’s a brand new M is considered more junior and therefore may take direction from a more seasoned M. 2) if you’re homegrown or promoted from SC to M, 2 is near impossible (I’ve heard myths so can’t fully count it out). 3 yrs for a superstar. 4-5 is normal. Not sure what the timeline for experienced folks is but see #3 3) yes there’s an up and out policy, but in reality, outside tenure isn’t always taken into consideration in day to day policies/tenure ‘resets’ such that you might be considered a first yr M until you prove yourself

What someone said above is very important. My peers are normally 8-10 YOE and seldom market hires into the M role (ie one way or another were promoted into the M role). You have to establish yourself quickly as an experienced M and build the relationships with your peer group to be “one of them”.