Role Comparison

CIO, CTO, and CISO: Roles, Differences, and Who Owns What

Three roles, three different mandates, and most businesses only need one or two. Here’s the definitive guide to who does what.

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Where Businesses Get Confused

The challenges we most commonly see when organisations come to us:

You keep hearing these three titles and can’t confidently explain what each one does or which you need.
The wrong hire sets you back a year.

Our Methodology

The Technology Leadership Trio Map: CIO owns systems+data+IT strategy; CTO owns product+engineering; CISO owns risk+security+compliance. Overlaps, boundaries, and who owns each when roles are combined.

What Starkhorn Brings

No competitor creates a definitive three-way comparison. ExecCapital covers CTO vs CEO. Starkhorn owns the tech leadership trio.

Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.

Who This Is For

This service is designed for:

Boards
investors
and leadership teams evaluating their technology governance

This is not the right fit for: Businesses that already have all three roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide which option is right for my business?

The right choice depends on the urgency of your need, the scope of the role, and your existing team. A 30-minute conversation with Starkhorn can usually clarify the best fit. Book a call and we will give you a direct recommendation without any obligation.

What does a typical Starkhorn engagement cost?

Engagements are structured as monthly retainers or fixed-term day-rate assignments. The cost depends on scope and time commitment. We are transparent about pricing from the first conversation and will give you a clear indication on the call.

What experience does Starkhorn bring?

Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as Interim Group Technology Director at VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn), accountable for both technology and security, and as CIO and CISO at Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.

Does Starkhorn work with businesses outside London?

Yes. We work with clients nationally and, for some engagements, internationally. Much of our advisory work is delivered remotely, with on-site presence when needed. Location has not been a barrier for any of our clients.

What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?

Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.

Next step

Ready to Talk?

Starkhorn works with MDs, CEOs, and boards of growing businesses. If you have a technology leadership gap, a security concern, or a transformation that is not delivering, we can help. Book a 30-minute conversation with no obligation.