Hiring Guide

When Do You Need a CTO vs a CIO? A Decision Guide for Business Leaders

If you’re building a product, you need a CTO. If you’re running a business on technology, you need a CIO. Here’s how to tell the difference.

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Where Businesses Get Confused

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

You need technology leadership but you don’t know which role is right.
Getting this wrong means 12 months of the wrong person solving the wrong problems.

Our Methodology

The CTO-vs-CIO Decision Tree: based on revenue model, technology dependency, and product status.

What Starkhorn Brings

Fortium ranks for CTO-related terms. Starkhorn: decision-framework angle, links to both service pages.

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:

Founders and CEOs making their first C-suite technology appointment

This is not the right fit for: Businesses that already know which role they need.

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.