Fractional CMO.
A fractional CMO is a senior marketing executive who works for a company on a part-time or contract basis, with the same scope and seniority as a full-time CMO.
Definition.
A fractional CMO is a senior marketing executive who runs the marketing leadership of a company on a part-time or contract basis. The fractional CMO sets strategy, manages the team and vendors, reports to the board, and owns the marketing outcome.
The word fractional describes the time commitment. The depth of involvement is full executive. Most engagements run 10 to 30 hours per week.
Synonyms and related terms
- CMO-as-a-Service — commercial framing of the same model
- Virtual CMO — sometimes used interchangeably, sometimes implies fully remote
- Fractional Executive — broader category that includes fractional CFO, CTO, COO
- AI-Assisted Fractional CMO — newer specialization that adds AI engineering to the engagement
Typical cost and engagement
Monthly retainers range from $5,000 to $25,000. Hours per week typically 10 to 30. Engagement length usually 6 to 18 months.
When companies hire fractional CMOs
Growth has stalled. Marketing leadership gap. Business in transition. Need senior strategic capacity without committing to a full-time hire. Full timing guide →
Want to see how IG runs the fractional CMO model?
Operator-led. AI-assisted. Capital-connected.