Fractional CMO
Board-level marketing leadership. Without a full-time hire.
A Fractional CMO sits at the same strategic level as a full-time Chief Marketing Officer — owning the marketing function, accountable to the board — for a fraction of the commitment. I've held that level of accountability running performance and digital strategy across a £75M+ budget at Mars and a £2bn portfolio at Tata Communications.
Quick answer: A fractional CMO is a senior marketing leader who owns the marketing function and is accountable to the board, but works part-time, typically one to three days a week alongside your existing team. It suits businesses that have outgrown ad hoc marketing but aren't ready for a permanent CMO salary. Engagements typically run three to six months, with the fee agreed to scope.
Is a Fractional CMO the right fit?
"Fractional CMO" and "Fractional Marketing Director" describe the same seniority of role — the title varies more by company culture than by the actual scope of work. Full engagement models, typical durations and fees are on the services page.
£75M+
Marketing budget owned at board level across 13 brands and four markets at Mars — full case studies on the case studies page.
15 minute discovery call
Tell me what the board actually needs to see.
We can clarify the problem and agree whether there is a useful next step.
I allow 30 minutes in the diary in case we need longer.
Common questions
What is a fractional CMO?
A Fractional CMO sits at the same strategic level as a full-time Chief Marketing Officer, owning the marketing function and accountable to the board, for a fraction of the commitment.
Is a fractional CMO the same as a fractional marketing director?
In practice, yes. "Fractional CMO" and "Fractional Marketing Director" describe the same seniority of role, and the title varies more by company culture than by the actual scope of work.
When should a business hire a fractional CMO?
When the business has outgrown ad hoc marketing but isn't ready for a permanent CMO salary, when the board wants a named, accountable owner for marketing performance rather than just an agency relationship, or when investors or the board are asking questions about marketing efficiency that nobody can currently answer with evidence.
How much time does a fractional CMO give, and for how long?
Fractional work is typically one to three days per week alongside your existing team, usually for three to six months at minimum to see the impact through. The fee is agreed to scope.
Can a fractional CMO work alongside our existing marketing agency?
Yes, and it is a common setup. I often sit above the agency relationship, briefing and holding it accountable, rather than replacing it.