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Hire an Interim CIO for full-time temporary IT leadership. Expert CIOs for leadership gaps, IT transformation, system migrations, and crisis response.
An Interim CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a seasoned IT executive who steps into your organisation full-time on a temporary basis—typically 3-12 months. They provide immediate senior IT leadership to fill a vacancy, lead a critical transformation, or stabilise IT operations during crisis or change.
Unlike consultants who advise from the sidelines, an interim CIO takes full executive accountability. They lead your IT team, manage budgets, make critical decisions, and deliver results. Unlike permanent hires that take months to recruit, an interim CIO can start within days.
"An interim CIO provides executive-level IT leadership exactly when you need it—without the 6-month recruitment cycle."
An interim CIO works full-time for 3-12 months during a specific challenge or transition. A fractional CIO works part-time (1-3 days/week) on an ongoing basis. A permanent CIO is a full-time employee with no defined end date.
Choose interim for leadership gaps, transformations, or crises. Choose fractional for ongoing strategic guidance. Choose permanent when you need full-time leadership indefinitely.
A CTO focuses on product technology—the technology that your customers interact with. A CIO focuses on enterprise technology—the internal systems, infrastructure, and IT operations that run your business. SaaS companies typically need a CTO for their product and may also need a CIO as they scale. Traditional businesses often need a CIO but not a CTO.
Full executive accountability across all IT functions
Lead IT teams and set direction. Make critical decisions, manage performance, and drive a culture of delivery and excellence.
Lead major IT transformations from planning through execution. Deliver cloud migrations, system implementations, and digital initiatives on time and budget.
Oversee ERP, CRM, HRIS, and business applications. Select systems, manage implementations, and ensure they deliver business value.
Manage IT infrastructure—cloud, networks, data centres, and end-user computing. Ensure reliability, performance, and scalability.
Ensure IT security and regulatory compliance. Manage cyber risk, implement controls, and respond to security incidents.
Manage technology vendors and contracts. Negotiate deals, oversee SLAs, and ensure vendor accountability and value.
Own the IT budget. Control spending, demonstrate ROI, and ensure technology investments align with business priorities.
Report to the board and CEO. Communicate IT performance, manage expectations, and align IT with business strategy.
Common scenarios where interim CIO leadership delivers immediate value
Your CIO has left or is leaving. You need immediate IT leadership while you search for a permanent replacement. An interim CIO fills the gap and keeps IT running.
3-6 months typicallyMigrating to a new ERP, moving to cloud, or replacing core systems. Need an experienced CIO to plan, execute, and deliver the programme successfully.
6-12 months typicallyModernising legacy IT, restructuring IT operations, or implementing new IT operating models. Requires senior leadership to drive change and deliver results.
6-12 months typicallyIT performance is poor, costs are spiralling, or systems are failing. Need immediate senior leadership to stabilise operations and restore performance.
3-6 months typicallyMajor security breach or cyber incident. Need a crisis leader to manage response, remediation, and recovery while strengthening security posture.
3-6 months typicallyAcquiring or merging with another company. Need IT leadership to assess systems, plan integration, and execute the technology merger successfully.
6-12 months typicallyTransparent pricing for interim CIO services
| Feature | Interim CIO | Fractional CIO | Full-Time CIO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Full-time (temporary) | 1-3 days/week | Full-time (permanent) |
| Duration | 3-12 months | Ongoing (6+ months typical) | Permanent |
| Cost | £8,000-£12,000/week | £3,000-£6,000/week | £150,000-£250,000/year + benefits |
| Focus | Gap-fill or transformation | Strategic + operational | All responsibilities |
| Flexibility | Fixed term contract | Scale up/down as needed | Limited flexibility |
| Best For | Leadership gaps, major transitions | Growing companies, specific expertise needs | Large orgs with full-time need |
Tell us about your needs, timeline, and what you're looking for in an interim executive for your 3-12 month assignment.
We curate a shortlist of pre-vetted interim executives available for full-time temporary assignments.
Interview your top candidates. We handle scheduling and ensure they can start within your timeframe.
Your interim executive begins full-time within days. We support onboarding and contract management throughout.
Tell us about your needs, timeline, and what you're looking for in an interim executive for your 3-12 month assignment.
We curate a shortlist of pre-vetted interim executives available for full-time temporary assignments.
Interview your top candidates. We handle scheduling and ensure they can start within your timeframe.
Your interim executive begins full-time within days. We support onboarding and contract management throughout.
Tell us about your IT leadership needs and we'll match you with experienced interim CIOs who can start within days.