How I Support Organisations as a Fractional CIO

TL;DR:A fractional CIO offers senior-level IT and business transformation expertise to drive growth, reduce technical debt, and lead strategic digital initiatives—without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.

How I support Organisations as CIO

How I Support Organisations as a Fractional CIO

In a fast-moving digital economy, many organisations need executive-level IT leadership, but not always on a full-time basis. That’s where I step in as a fractional CIO, providing seasoned guidance on technology strategy, transformation, and operational excellence, tailored to your business needs.

Over my 34-year career, I’ve led IT and business change across retail, manufacturing, logistics, utilities, finance, and private equity sectors—holding executive and advisory positions with companies like J Sainsbury’s PLC, LoneStar Group, Mothercare, and Quollify.

Here’s how I can support your organisation as a fractional CIO:

1. Strategic IT Leadership Without the Overhead

Not every business needs a permanent CIO. A fractional CIO brings executive expertise on a part-time or project basis. This model provides maximum flexibility, especially for SMEs and PE-backed firms seeking to scale efficiently. I help shape and deliver IT strategies that are fully aligned with business objectives—whether you're launching a digital product, rationalising systems, or navigating rapid growth.

2. Accelerating Digital Transformation

From deploying AI-driven chatbots to rolling out enterprise platforms like Oracle SaaS and Adobe Commerce, I’ve overseen numerous digital transformation programmes. As a fractional CIO, I help businesses unlock value quickly, delivering initiatives that improve customer experience, streamline operations, and reduce technical debt. For example, at M.I. Dickson, I helped deliver a home delivery solution during COVID that boosted turnover by £1.4m in two months.

3. Cost Optimisation and Vendor Management

Governance, procurement, and vendor negotiation are often under-leveraged levers for cost control. My background includes managing IT budgets over £120M and securing vendor savings exceeding £20M—without compromising service quality. I assess your current technology spend, renegotiate contracts where needed, and ensure you're getting value for money.

4. Supporting M&A and Private Equity Value Creation

Working closely with private equity clients, I conduct technology due diligence, carve-out planning, and post-acquisition integration. I’ve supported over 15 global M&A deals and advised on technology strategies that align with exit goals. Whether it's preparing an IT function for sale or integrating newly acquired assets, I bring hands-on experience and a clear roadmap.

5. Enhancing Cybersecurity and Data Governance

As regulatory pressures and cyber threats increase, data governance and cybersecurity are board-level concerns. I implement pragmatic cybersecurity frameworks, deliver employee awareness programmes, and establish data strategies that protect assets and ensure compliance. At LoneStar Group, I led a global cybersecurity enhancement, including SOC outsourcing and endpoint protection.

6. Mentorship and Building Internal Capability

A key part of my role as a fractional CIO is capability uplift—coaching internal teams, mentoring future leaders, and introducing best practices in project delivery and service management. I help your team become more self-sufficient, reducing long-term reliance on external consultants.

Why Choose a Fractional CIO?

Hiring a fractional CIO allows you to:

• Access top-tier talent without the cost of a full-time executive

• Scale technology leadership based on current business demands

• Execute strategic programmes with confidence and clarity

• Improve IT and data maturity with expert guidance

  
  

FAQs

What is a fractional CIO? A fractional CIO is a part-time or contract-based technology executive who provides strategic leadership and IT governance to organisations.

How does a fractional CIO differ from a consultant? Unlike typical consultants, fractional CIOs operate as embedded executive leaders—driving strategy, execution, and cross-functional alignment.

What size businesses benefit most from a fractional CIO? Medium-sized enterprises, scale-ups, and private equity portfolio companies benefit significantly, particularly when full-time roles are not yet justified.

Can a fractional CIO help with digital transformation? Absolutely. From roadmap development to vendor selection and implementation oversight, a fractional CIO ensures transformation initiatives deliver business value.

Final Thoughts

The role of the fractional CIO is about bringing clarity, momentum, and strategic discipline to your technology journey, without the burden of full-time cost. Whether you’re navigating transformation, preparing for acquisition, or simply need to stabilise operations, my approach is grounded in decades of hands-on experience.

If you're considering whether your organisation would benefit from fractional CIO support, get in touch. A conversation could be the first step to unlocking significant value.

Richard Keenlyside is the Global CIO for the LoneStar Group and a former IT Director for J Sainsbury’s PLC. Call me on +44(0) 1642 040 268 or email info@rjk.info.

Follow me on X https://x.com/cioinpractice & LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkeenlyside/.