Fractional CIO

A fractional CIO is an experienced, top-level information technology professional who serves as a part-time chief information officer" of a small or medium-sized business that otherwise could not afford or would not need a full time executive to hold the position of chief information officer.

A fractional CIO is like a consultant in that they are an expert retained on contract, but differ in that they serve as a working member of a company's executive management team and may or may not serve on the company's board of directors.

The purpose of a fractional CIO is to align the company's information technology strategy and spending with the overall business objectives of the company without the associated level of overhead and benefits associated with adding another top level executive.

Fractional CIOs typically serve several companies and do not engage in day to day management of a company's IT staff or other resources.