Hiring Guide

Fractional or Interim CIO? How to Choose the Right Model in Under 5 Minutes

One question determines the answer: do you need part-time, ongoing leadership, or full-time cover for a fixed period? Here’s the decision.

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Where Businesses Get Stuck

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

You need technology leadership and you’ve been presented with two options.
Both sound plausible and you don’t know which is right.

Our Methodology

The Fractional vs Interim Decision Model: four scenarios and the right choice for each.

What Starkhorn Brings

ExecCapital ranks for this. Starkhorn: sharper answer, clearer framework, less padding.

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:

PE operating partners
and HR directors choosing between engagement models

This is not the right fit for: Businesses clear on which model they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Starkhorn begin?

In most cases we can begin within five to ten working days. For urgent situations such as a sudden leadership gap or an active incident, we can mobilise faster. Contact us to discuss your timeline.

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.

How long does an interim engagement typically last?

Most interim technology leadership engagements run from three to twelve months. Some are shorter, focused on a specific crisis or transition. Others extend as organisations find ongoing value. We structure engagements flexibly so you are never locked in longer than makes sense.

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.