Fractional CIOs operate in a sphere that’s significantly different from their traditional, full-time counterparts. A fractional CIO is a technology leader hired on a temporary or part-time basis, explains Peter Kirkwood, corporate strategy leader at management consulting and strategy advisory firm Zinnov.
A fractional CIO is typically an experienced IT leader who is external to the enterprise yet acts as an accountable leader and extension of the executive team, says Dave Hartman, president of IT management consulting firm Hartman Executive Advisors. “A fractional CIO thinks beyond technical needs and considers the needs of the organization from a strategic business perspective.”