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What Is a Fractional CMO?

  • gerrellcollective
  • Nov 11
  • 2 min read
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By Matt Gerrell,

Fractional Chief Marketing Officer

Founder & President Gerrell Collective

 

After more than two decades leading marketing and growth for billion-dollar organizations, I’ve seen a consistent challenge: many companies outgrow their marketing capabilities long before they’re ready for a full-time executive. That’s where a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) comes in.


What Is a Fractional CMO?

A Fractional CMO provides senior-level marketing leadership on a part-time or project basis. The role delivers the same strategic oversight and accountability as a traditional CMO but with greater flexibility and efficiency. The goal isn’t to “do marketing”, it’s to lead it with precision, structure, and measurable results.


Through Gerrell Collective, I help CEOs, founders, and boards:

·         Build data-driven marketing strategies that directly translate into growth.

·         Align marketing and sales to create high-velocity pipelines.

·         Modernize brands and unify messaging across every channel.

·         Leverage analytics and automation to improve ROI and reduce acquisition costs.


Which Businesses Benefit Most?

Organizations often choose a Fractional CMO when they:

·         Are experiencing rapid growth and need marketing leadership to match.

·         Have strong tactical teams or agencies but lack cohesive strategic direction.

·         Are preparing for expansion, investor engagement, or market repositioning.

·         Need to strengthen brand performance or improve marketing efficiency.

·         Seeking an outsider’s opinion on ways they can improve.


Tips for Selecting the Right Fractional CMO

  1. Look for proven executive experience. They should have led at scale (managing strategy, teams, and budgets)not just campaigns.

  2. Seek industry versatility. The best leaders apply lessons across sectors while adapting to your specific market realities.

  3. Prioritize measurable outcomes. Ask how success will be tracked, not just how plans will be executed.

  4. Ensure cultural fit. Your Fractional CMO should integrate seamlessly with your leadership team and represent your brand authentically.

  5. Expect strategic depth, not task management. Their role is to set direction, elevate performance, and build a foundation your teams can sustain.


A great Fractional CMO is not a consultant. They are your growth partners who bring clarity, accountability, and momentum to your organization.

 

 
 
 
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