Running a business often means facing moments when you need experienced leadership, but hiring a full-time executive just isn’t practical. Whether you’re managing rapid growth or preparing for a major transition, having strategic guidance without a long-term contract can make all the difference. This is where hiring a fractional CEO makes sense.
In this article, you’ll get a full rundown of the top sites to hire a fractional executive. We’ll break down each platform’s services, costs, and expertise to help you find the right fit for your business needs.
13 Top-Rated Sites To Hire A Fractional CEO
Let’s explore the top-rated sites where you can get the best fractional executive services for your business.
1. Genius
Founded in 2019, Genius is a leading headhunter agency that connects you with top fractional CEOs across the globe. We help you save time and money in your search by cutting your hiring cost by 80%. We take the time to learn about your company’s culture, needs, and goals so that the fractional CEO you choose fits in well and can make an immediate impact on your business.
With Genius, you can have a highly skilled fractional CEO in place within 2 weeks. No need to drag out the hiring process—your business gets the leadership it needs fast. We also offer free interviews, so you can assess candidates without any upfront costs. And to give you peace of mind, we provide a 6-month talent guarantee. If the hire isn’t the right fit, we’ll find a replacement—no hassle, no extra fees.
Core Service Features
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Leadership
Expertise
- Technology and SaaS companies
- Healthcare and medical industries
- Real estate
Cost
One-time fee of 25% of the candidate’s first-year salary.
2. Chief Outsiders
Since its inception in 2009, Chief Outsiders is known for its team of highly experienced fractional CEOs who specialize in driving growth and solving business challenges. With a pool of 120+ fractional executives on staff, they match you with seasoned leaders who are experts at creating and executing strategies that fit your company’s unique goals.
With over 2,040 clients served, Chief Outsiders brings a wealth of experience to every engagement. Being on the Inc. 500 list for 10 consecutive years speaks volumes about Chief Outsiders’ success and consistent growth. Plus, an impressive 80 NPS score shows their clients consistently trust and recommend them for delivering top-notch results.
Core Service Features
- Market expansion strategies
- Financial management
- Leadership development
Expertise
- Startups
- Real estate
- Manufacturing and industrial businesses
Cost
Custom pricing
3. Cerius Executives
Founded in 2005, Cerius Executives makes it easy for you to connect with top-tier fractional CEOs who can help your business through growth, transitions, and challenges. The executives at Cerius Executives have worked with big names like Amazon, Microsoft, Ford, and Google.
This means you’re getting leadership from people who’ve helped some of the best companies succeed, bringing that same expertise to help your business grow. Their platform offers flexible solutions, so you can bring in the leadership you need for as long as required.
Core Service Features
- Interim leadership
- Financial restructuring
- Business turnaround strategies
Expertise
- Professional services firms
- Manufacturing and logistics
- Consumer products and retail
Cost
Custom pricing
4. InterimExecs
InterimExecs, founded in 2007, has vetted over 5,500 executives to hand-pick the best talent for their elite RED Team. This team is made up of top leaders from around the world who are ready to solve your toughest business problems.
88% of fractional CEOs from InterimExecs have successfully led integrations, 96% of their team has turned around a failing business, and 72% have sold companies. With InterimExecs, you’re connected to fractional CEOs who deliver real results and drive growth confidently.
Core Service Features
- Business strategy & expansion
- Financial management
- Interim leadership for CEO, CFO, or COO roles
Expertise
- Private equity and family-owned businesses
- Manufacturing
- Nonprofit organizations
Cost
Custom pricing
5. vChiefs
vChiefs founded in 2016 by Madeleine Niebauer, started with a simple idea—to provide companies with top executives when full-time roles aren’t an option. What began as a one-time service for a nonprofit has grown into a full-fledged business offering a wide range of fractional leadership positions.
Today, vChief connects you with top talent from its network of over 400 leaders. After a thorough needs assessment, they match you with the best candidates within 1 week, and you can have your top choice ready to start in 2 weeks.
Core Service Features
- Custom talent matching
- Strategic leadership
- Immediate impact
Expertise
- Startups
- Nonprofits
- Companies looking for remote leadership solutions
Cost
Custom pricing
6. The CEO’s Right Hand
The CEO’s Right Hand (TCRH), founded in 2015, is a financial and HR firm recognized as an Inc. 5000 honoree in 2024. They specialize in providing customized fractional CEO and HR solutions tailored to fit your specific business needs. With TCRH, you’re paired with an expert who understands your industry and becomes an extension of your team.
Whether you’re a startup seeking guidance or an established company preparing for capital raising or exit, TCRH uses its expertise across industries and company stages to drive results.
Core Service Features
- Financial strategy and CFO services
- Strategic planning
- Operational leadership
Expertise
- Startups
- Healthcare
- Mid-sized businesses
Cost
Custom pricing
7. AdvisoryCloud
Founded in 2012, AdvisoryCloud has a pool of over 10,000 highly vetted advisors. They have served 10,000+ businesses and made more than 25,000 board placements. You can start for free by creating a customized company profile where you can share your mission, values, and key goals.
Once your profile is live, you’ll start getting interest from experienced advisors who match the skills you’re looking for. Their platform also offers a secure digital boardroom where you can connect with your advisors in real time.
Core Service Features
- Build a detailed company profile to attract top advisors
- Real-time collaboration in a secure digital boardroom
- Ongoing strategic advice
Expertise
- Technology
- Financial services and consulting
- Healthcare
Cost
- Crowdsourced Plan – $0 for 30 days, then $195/month
- Traditional Plan – $0 for 30 days, then $395/month
- Custom
8. Vertices
Vertices was founded in 2018 by a family of serial entrepreneurs who have owned or operated over 28 businesses collectively. Now it has grown into a company that’s all about providing value and building long-term partnerships. Their C-suite executives have experience building over 24 different businesses and have managed companies with 150+ employees.
Vertices aims to be more than just a service provider—they want to be your trusted partner, working closely with you as your business grows and evolves. The process is straightforward, and their team is committed to making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Core Service Features
- Strategic planning
- Business valuation
- C-Suite consulting
Expertise
- Oil and Gas
- Construction
- Healthcare
Cost
Custom pricing
9. ExecThread
Launched in 2014, ExecThread has been named one of America’s fastest-growing companies by Inc. 5000. The company is a unique platform that gives you access to a network of high-caliber, executive-level talent, and fractional CEOs.
The company is designed to help you find top leaders quickly, offering a large pool of executives who aren’t typically listed on traditional job boards. With ExecThread, you get access to exclusive talent with proven leadership skills that address specific challenges on time.
Core Service Features
- Chair & Trustee
- Board director
- Treasurer
Expertise
- Non-profit organizations
- Entertainment
- Consumer services
Cost
Custom pricing
10. Vistage
Founded in 1957 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Vistage helps businesses grow and succeed by connecting you with experienced executive advisors. With 45,000+ members, its peer advisory groups let you collaborate with other CEOs and get valuable feedback on your toughest business challenges.
Plus, you also get access to expert mentors who provide personalized coaching to guide your business in the right direction. On average, Vistage members see a 4.6% growth rate, making it a trusted resource for driving business success.
Core Service Features
- Peer advisory groups
- One-on-one executive coaching
- Access to expert resources and leadership development programs
Expertise
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Family-owned companies
- Startups
Cost
Free Membership
11. NextUp
NextUp, formerly known as The Network of Executive Women (NEW), was founded in 2001 and is focused on advancing women in business. The platform has a job board where you can post open positions exclusively to its 14,000 members and over 300 national and regional corporate partners. This feature is only available to NextUp Partners.
With NextUp, you will gain confidence, build your career, create meaningful connections, and hire the best fractional CEO for your company.
Core Service Features
- DEI & B Solutions
- Leadership development
- Regional, national, and online visibility
Expertise
- Women in leadership roles
- Mid-career professionals
- Emerging leaders
Cost
Membership-based pricing.
12. ExecHQ
ExecHQ was founded in 2019 and has a strong pool of 100+ executives across the globe. It provides experienced fractional executives who are ready to step in and help your business grow.
With deep backgrounds in leadership, their executives have the skills to listen, understand, and execute effectively. Whether you need a single executive or a full team, ExecHQ will work closely with you to deliver the right talent. You’ll get expert insights, actionable advice, and the results your business needs to succeed.
Core Service Features
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Operational expertise
Expertise
- Non-profit organization
- Digital & Technology
- Energy sector
Cost
Custom pricing
13. Toptal
Toptal was founded in 2018 and has become the world’s largest fully remote company since then. It connects you with the top 3% of C-level executives, specializing in roles like fractional CEOs, CFOs, and other leadership positions. Their strict 5-step vetting process ensures only the most qualified candidates are selected from thousands of applicants each year.
With a global footprint in more than 140 countries, Toptal has served 25,000+ clients to date. With Toptal’s efficient system, you can be matched with an executive in as little as 48 hours, providing a fast and reliable solution to meet your business challenges.
Core Service Features
- Executive Leadership Consultants
- Strategic Business Advisors
- Financial Oversight Experts
Expertise
- Startups
- Healthcare
- Real estate
Cost
Custom pricing
When To Hire A Fractional CEO + Benefits
Here are the key situations where hiring a fractional CEO can benefit your business and the specific advantages they bring.
I. Manage Rapid Company Growth
When your company is growing quickly, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the increased demand, new opportunities, and the need for better processes. This growth requires strong leadership to make smart decisions and guide the business through scaling challenges.
A fractional CEO can make a big difference. Instead of hiring a full-time executive, you bring in an experienced leader for a specific period to help navigate this crucial stage. Here are 5 core benefits of hiring a fractional CEO for rapid growth:
- With expert guidance, your business could see revenue increase from 10% to 30% within 4 months.
- A fractional CEO will refine your processes to save time and reduce operational costs.
- They’ll help you map out a clear growth strategy to maximize new market opportunities.
- They can lead your team effectively, ensuring everyone is aligned with your company’s goals.
- With a fractional CEO, you get access to high-level leadership without committing to a long-term hire, keeping costs manageable.
II. Handle Major Business Transitions
In today’s dynamic business environment, transitions—whether mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings—can be difficult to manage without the right leadership. These transitions come with uncertainty, and making the wrong decisions can cause costly setbacks.
Here’s why you need a fractional CEO for major business transitions:
- A fractional CEO can handle high-stakes negotiations and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
- They can help manage the transition process while reducing disruption and ensuring sustainable growth.
- They’ll identify potential risks and put strategies in place to minimize them and keep your business safe.
- They’ll provide leadership to your team, offering clear direction and easing concerns during the transition.
- With a fractional CEO, you get experienced leadership without the long-term cost of a permanent executive hire, saving you money during a critical time.
III. Drive Strategic Turnarounds
When your business is struggling or facing declining performance, a strategic turnaround is crucial to get back on track. A fractional CEO can step in with the expertise to assess the situation and create a clear recovery plan. They focus on identifying weak spots, improving operations, and guiding the business toward profitability.
Here’s how you can benefit from a fractional CEO for strategic turnarounds:
- Fractional CEOs can help increase revenue by 20% or more within the first year.
- By optimizing processes, they can cut operational costs by 15-30%.
- They bring new ideas and proven strategies to revitalize your business.
- Fractional CEOs will get your team focused on the right goals to drive performance.
- With their experience, you’ll see improvements in as little as 90 days.
IV. Solve Financial Challenges
When your business is facing financial issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by declining cash flow, rising debts, or mismanaged budgets. A fractional CEO can step in and provide the financial leadership you need to address these challenges. With their expertise, they analyze your financial health, identify key problems, and implement solutions that improve stability and growth.
Here are 5 benefits of hiring a fractional CEO to tackle financial challenges:
- Fractional CEOs help optimize your financial processes to ensure more consistent cash flow.
- With their negotiation skills, they can help restructure your debts and reduce financial strain.
- A fractional CEO can identify where you’re overspending and implement strategies to cut down costs.
- Fractional CEOs will analyze the profit margins of each product line to identify which ones underperform and strategize on improving pricing or cutting costs.
- They’ll establish a financial buffer by setting aside a specific percentage of monthly revenue into an emergency fund to handle unforeseen expenses.
V. Launch New Products or Markets
Introducing a new product or entering a new market can feel risky, especially without the right leadership to guide you through it. A fractional CEO can bring the expertise needed to make sure your launch is smooth and successful. They help you analyze the market, plan effectively, and position your product for maximum impact.
Here are 5 benefits of hiring a fractional CEO to lead your expansion:
- They’ll develop a comprehensive go-to-market strategy that outlines your target audience, marketing channels, and promotional tactics to maximize launch impact.
- They help you avoid common pitfalls by identifying risks early and managing them.
- Their experience allows for quicker decision-making, speeding up the entire launch process.
- Fractional CEOs will identify potential partnerships with distributors or retailers that can facilitate entry into new markets and expand your product’s reach.
- With their leadership, you’ll see clearer pathways to growth backed by solid data and industry insights.
VI. Fill Sudden CEO Vacancies
Losing a CEO unexpectedly can leave your business without direction and disrupt operations. A fractional CEO can step in quickly to provide immediate leadership, keeping things on track while you search for a permanent replacement. They bring stability during uncertain times and ensure the company continues to run smoothly.
Here are 5 benefits of bringing in a fractional CEO during this time:
- They step in fast to keep operations running without missing a beat.
- Fractional CEOs will quickly assess urgent issues affecting the company and develop action plans to address them while maintaining morale among employees and stakeholders.
- They’ll evaluate the company’s current strategic direction, identifying immediate adjustments needed to keep the business aligned with its goals.
- They’ll start outlining a succession plan for a permanent CEO, establishing criteria and a timeline for the search process to avoid prolonged uncertainty.
- Fractional CEOs will uphold and reinforce the company culture, helping employees feel secure and engaged despite the leadership change.
VII. Provide Experienced Mentorship
When you’re aiming to grow your leadership skills or guide your team through challenges, having a seasoned executive on your side makes all the difference. A fractional CEO brings valuable insight from years of experience, helping you and your team make smarter decisions, avoid common mistakes, and navigate complex situations with confidence.
Here are 5 ways they can help you and your team grow:
- You get practical, actionable insights from someone who has been in your shoes.
- With their support, you’ll feel more confident in making tough calls and driving key initiatives.
- They help sharpen your leadership skills, equipping you to handle bigger challenges.
- They mentor your team, fostering growth and encouraging independent problem-solving.
- Their guidance sets you up for sustained growth and success, both individually and as a company.
How To Get Started With Your Fractional CEO
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with your fractional CEO.
Step 1: Pinpoint Specific Business Objectives
Be clear about what you want to achieve with a fractional CEO. Whether it’s growing your business, improving operations, or solving financial challenges, knowing your goals will help you find the right leader. Take some time to assess the areas where your business needs the most support. Think about your short-term and long-term objectives.
Here are a few examples to consider:
- Increase revenue by X% in the next year
- Streamline operations to reduce costs by 15%
- Expand into new markets and launch new products
- Turn around declining performance within 6 months
- Prepare for a merger or acquisition within the next year.
Step 2: Highlight Immediate Pain Points
After identifying your goals, it’s important to focus on the most pressing challenges that need immediate attention. What’s causing the biggest headaches right now? Maybe revenue has been dropping for the past few quarters, or your team is struggling with a lack of direction.
Identifying these urgent issues helps your fractional CEO know where to begin.
For example, if cash flow is tight, they can quickly implement strategies to stabilize your finances. If team morale is low, they can work on boosting leadership and creating a clearer sense of purpose.
Step 3: Determine Engagement Structure
Next, decide how you want to work with your fractional CEO. Think about whether you need them for a short-term project or as part of a long-term strategy. If you’re going through a major transition, you only need them for a few months to get things on track. However, if you’re looking for ongoing leadership, a longer engagement might be more beneficial.
For example, if you need help restructuring your operations, make sure that’s the priority from the start. A well-defined structure ensures you and the CEO know what success looks like, and it keeps everyone aligned throughout the process.
Step 4: Target Industry-Specific Candidates
Each industry has its own challenges, trends, and best practices, so having someone who understands the landscape can make a big difference. For example, if you own a startup, you’ll want a leader who knows how to scale quickly and stay ahead of fast-changing market trends. In healthcare, someone with regulatory expertise could be key.
When you want to attract qualified and experienced candidates, look for those who have successfully handled similar challenges in your field. This will ensure they bring valuable insights and can implement strategies that align with your industry’s demands. The right fit will save you time and help the CEO make an impact from day one.
Step 5: Conduct In-Depth Interviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to have in-depth interviews. These conversations are very important for making sure the candidate has the right experience and aligns with your company’s culture and goals. Ask about their past successes and challenges, and how they handled situations similar to what your business is facing.
Pay attention to how well they listen and understand your business. A great fractional CEO won’t just talk about themselves—they’ll ask questions and show genuine interest in your company. By the end of the interview, you should feel confident that they can hit the ground running and offer practical solutions to your most pressing issues.
Here are 5 interview questions to help you gauge your potential CEO:
- Can you share a specific example of how you helped a company overcome challenges similar to ours?
- How do you approach setting and achieving business goals in a short timeframe?
- What steps do you take to understand a company’s culture before making decisions?
- How do you handle resistance or pushback when implementing new strategies?
- What’s your process for evaluating and improving operational efficiency quickly?
Step 6: Align on Strategic Priorities
Once you’ve chosen your fractional CEO, sit down together and discuss your top goals, both short-term and long-term. Make sure you’re on the same page about what success looks like. Whether it’s boosting revenue, improving operations, or expanding into new markets, clarity is important.
A good fractional CEO will also offer insights into areas you might not have considered. Use their expertise to refine your priorities and ensure that everyone is working toward the same outcomes.
Step 7: Clarify Decision-Making Authority
From the start, decide what level of control they’ll have over key business decisions. Will they have the power to make financial choices, hire or fire staff, or implement new strategies without needing approval? Setting these boundaries upfront will prevent confusion and keep everyone aligned.
Make sure both you and the CEO know when they can act independently and when they need to consult with the leadership team or board. Having a clear understanding of their authority allows for smooth decision-making and ensures they can move quickly without delays.
Step 8: Draft a Results-Focused Contract
The contract should clearly outline the specific goals, timelines, and deliverables you expect. Whether it’s increasing revenue by a certain percentage, improving operational efficiency, or launching a new product, make the objectives measurable. This helps you and the CEO stay accountable and focused on the desired outcomes.
Include the duration of the engagement, payment terms, and any specific milestones that will track progress.
Here’s a sample contract you can use:
| Fractional CEO Agreement This Agreement is made and entered into as of [DATE], by and between [COMPANY NAME], a [STATE] corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) and [CEO NAME], an individual (hereinafter referred to as the “Fractional CEO”). Scope of Work The Fractional CEO will provide the following services: – [Objective 1: Example – Increase revenue by X% by [DATE]] – [Objective 2: Example – Improve operational efficiency to reduce costs by X% within [TIMEFRAME]] – [Objective 3: Example – Oversee the successful launch of [PRODUCT/PROJECT]] Term This Agreement will commence on [START DATE] and will continue for a period of [DURATION] unless terminated earlier as per Section 6. Compensation The Fractional CEO will be compensated as follows: – Payment: [AMOUNT] per [WEEK/MONTH] to be paid [TERMS]. – Bonuses: [List any performance-based bonuses tied to achieving specific goals]. Performance Milestones The following milestones will be used to track progress and assess performance: – [Milestone 1: Example – Achieve X revenue growth by [DATE]] – [Milestone 2: Example – Finalize new operational processes by [DATE]] – [Milestone 3: Example – Complete market entry strategy by [DATE]] Decision-Making Authority The Fractional CEO is authorized to make decisions related to: – [Specific areas, e.g., financial management, team restructuring, etc.] – [Define areas where the CEO must seek approval from the board or leadership team]. Termination This Agreement may be terminated by either party with [NUMBER] days’ written notice. In the event of early termination, the Fractional CEO will be compensated for services rendered up to the termination date. Confidentiality The Fractional CEO agrees to maintain confidentiality concerning all Company information and not disclose any proprietary information during and after the term of this Agreement. Miscellaneous – Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [STATE]. – Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties regarding the engagement of the Fractional CEO. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signatures: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [CEO NAME] Date: ____________________ [COMPANY NAME] Date: ____________________ |
Step 9: Set Up Direct Communication Line
To keep things running smoothly, it’s important to establish a clear and reliable way to communicate with your fractional CEO. Decide how and how often you’ll connect—whether it’s through regular weekly check-ins, daily brief updates, or even a dedicated messaging platform. Zoom or Microsoft Teams work well for face-to-face discussions, while Slack can be perfect for quick, on-the-go updates.
A well-defined communication routine keeps everyone in the loop and helps avoid delays. For example, setting up a brief weekly meeting to discuss progress and any challenges ensures that adjustments can be made swiftly.
Step 10: Schedule Milestone Checkpoints
It’s important to set time to review progress and make sure things are moving in the right direction. These reviews help you see what’s working, what needs tweaking, and how close you are to hitting your goals. You could plan these check-ins monthly or quarterly, depending on how fast you need results.
At each meeting, go over the key objectives, evaluate what’s been done, and discuss any challenges that have come up. This keeps everyone on the same page and gives you the chance to make adjustments if needed.
Conclusion
Finding the right platform to hire a fractional CEO is key to moving your business forward. If you need to grow, manage transitions, or fill a leadership gap, having a fractional CEO who aligns with your goals can make a major impact.
If you’re ready to take the next step in finding the right leadership, Genius has you covered. We connect you with the top fractional CEOs while keeping costs low. You only pay once you hire, and with our 6-month guarantee, there’s no risk in finding the perfect fit.
Contact us now to get started!
FAQs
How do I know if a fractional CEO is right for my business?
A fractional CEO is ideal if you need expert leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire. This is especially useful during times of growth, transition, or when solving specific business challenges. If you’re looking for flexible, high-level expertise to guide your company without long-term contracts, a fractional CEO could be the perfect solution.
Can I hire a fractional CEO for a specific project or goal?
Yes, you can. Many businesses bring in a fractional CEO to lead specific projects, like entering new markets, launching products, or handling mergers and acquisitions. Once the project is complete or the goal is achieved, the CEO’s engagement can end, providing you with flexibility and control over costs.
What industries are best suited for hiring a fractional CEO?
Fractional CEOs can be effective in a wide range of industries, including tech startups, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and financial services. If your business requires high-level leadership but doesn’t need a full-time executive, a fractional CEO can be a great fit regardless of the industry.
Can a fractional CEO work remotely or do they need to be on-site?
Fractional CEOs can work remotely or on-site depending on your business needs. Many companies choose remote fractional CEOs for flexibility, while others prefer on-site leadership for hands-on involvement. It’s important to discuss expectations upfront during the hiring process.
