Fractional CEO/COO Platform Guide¶
Last updated: February 2026
Research for positioning a senior executive (ex-CEO of global advertising network, Google, Guardian, AI strategy expertise) into fractional CEO/COO roles at 1-3 days/week.
Key Distinction: Fractional ≠ Interim
Fractional = part-time, 1-3 days/week, multiple clients simultaneously, ongoing
Interim = fulltime, single client, temporary (3-12 months), gap-filling
This guide focuses exclusively on fractional platforms.
Executive Summary¶
For a former CEO of a major global ad network with Google and Guardian credentials:
- LinkedIn is the #1 platform — thought leadership + inbound
- Go Fractional is the best-fit marketplace for fractional CEO/COO
- Expert networks (GLG, AlphaSights) are easy money at £500-1,000+/hr
- Board platforms (Nurole, NEDonBoard) for NED income alongside fractional work
- Upwork is wrong for this level — undermines the brand
Target income model: 2-4 fractional clients (£7K-12K/mo each) + expert network calls (£500-1K/hr) + 1-2 NED seats = £150K-300K+/year
Fractional CEO/COO Platforms¶
🏆 Tier 1: Best Fit¶
| Platform | Focus | Why It Fits | How It Works | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fractional | Fractional C-suite marketplace | Vast pool of pre-vetted execs. Rapid placement (days). Covers CEO/COO/CRO. Has AdTech/media specialists. | Create profile → matching service + direct apply | Commission on engagement fee |
| Bolster | Fractional execs for startups/scale-ups | Marketplace for CEO/COO/CRO + advisory + board. Focus on execution, not just advice. | Detailed profile + vetting → matched to opportunities | Percentage of engagement |
| Chief Outsiders | Fractional CMO/CRO network | Strong methodology, established community. Originally CMO-focused but expanding to CRO/CSO. Best for revenue-focused roles. | Rigorous selection (interviews + references). "Tribe" model. | Firm contracts client, pays exec majority |
⭐ Tier 2: Strong Options¶
| Platform | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cerius Executives | Fractional & interim C-suite | Broad industries. Submit CV → matched by team. Good for mid-market. |
| Fractional Quest | UK fractional C-suite recruitment | UK's leading fractional agency. London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol. £800-1,800/day. |
| Nigel Wright Group | UK specialist fractional recruitment | Strong UK network. Startups to large firms. |
| The Fractional Executive Network | Community + marketplace | Membership-based. Network, share practices, find opportunities. |
🎯 Industry-Specific (Advertising/Media)¶
| Platform | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mahdlo Executive Advisors | Fractional CMO/CRO for media companies | Audience growth, ad revenue, content partnerships, digital transformation |
| Go Fractional (AdTech vertical) | Has experts with "20+ years in AdTech & digital media" | Directly relevant |
Expert Networks (Advisory Calls)¶
These pay handsomely for 30-60 minute phone consultations. With Dentsu/Google/Guardian credentials, expect £500-1,000+/hour.
| Network | Pay Rate (exec level) | Sign-up | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG | £500-1,000+/hr | Apply here | Self-register, LinkedIn connect, compliance tutorial |
| AlphaSights | £500-1,000+/hr | Express interest form | Primarily invite-based |
| Guidepoint | £500-1,000+/hr | Apply here | Application → matched to projects |
| Third Bridge | £500-1,000+/hr | Invite only | Build LinkedIn profile, get found |
| Dialectica | £400-600+/hr | Apply here | Self-register, longer engagements available |
| AlphaSense/Tegus | £300-1,000/hr | Via AlphaSense (acquired Tegus 2024) | Expert marketplace |
How Expert Networks Work¶
- You sign up with detailed profile (LinkedIn, bio, expertise areas)
- Clients request calls on specific topics (investment firms, consultancies, corporates)
- Network matches you and schedules 30-60 min call
- You get paid per call (typically within 30 days)
- No exclusivity — you can be on ALL networks simultaneously
- Compliance required — no sharing confidential/MNPI information
Expected Income¶
- With strong profile: 4-8 calls/month
- At £500-1,000/hr: £2,000-8,000/month passive income
- Minimal time investment (~2-8 hours/month)
Board & NED Platforms¶
Non-Executive Director roles provide steady income alongside fractional work.
| Platform | Focus | Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurole | UK NED marketplace | £20K-80K/year per board | Premium, curated. Best for UK. |
| NEDonBoard | UK NED network | Varies by company | Training + placement |
| Advisory Cloud | Advisory board roles | Equity (0.5-2%) + fees | More startup-focused |
| Board Intelligence | Board effectiveness | Advisory fees | Governance focus |
NED Income Model¶
- 2-4 NED seats × £30K-60K each = £60K-240K/year
- Time commitment: ~10-15 days/year per board
- Combines well with fractional CEO work
Rates & Structures¶
UK Fractional CEO Rates (Tier-1 Credentials)¶
| Structure | Range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate | £1,200-1,800/day | £1,500/day |
| Monthly retainer (1-2 days/week) | £5,000-12,000/mo | £8,000/mo |
| Monthly retainer (3 days/week) | £12,000-20,000/mo | £15,000/mo |
| Equity (startups) | 0.5-2% | 1% |
| Expert network calls | £500-1,000+/hr | £750/hr |
How Many Clients?¶
- Sweet spot: 2-4 simultaneous clients
- Each at 1-2 days/week
- Minimum 3-6 month engagements
- Maximum 5-6 before quality drops
Combined Income Model¶
| Source | Time | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 3 fractional clients @ £8K/mo | 3-4 days/week | £288,000 |
| Expert network calls (6/mo @ £750) | ~6 hrs/mo | £54,000 |
| 2 NED seats @ £40K | ~20 days/year | £80,000 |
| Total | ~4 days/week | £422,000 |
LinkedIn Positioning¶
Headline Format¶
Fractional CEO & CRO | Ex-CEO [Major Ad Network] | Google | Guardian | AI Strategy & Digital Transformation | 1-3 Days/Week
Key Principles¶
- ✅ Frame as "portfolio career" not unemployment
- ✅ Use
#FractionalCEO#FractionalCRO#PortfolioCEO - ✅ Post thought leadership on AI + media + transformation weekly
- ✅ "Open to" fractional CEO/COO engagements in settings
- ✅ Feature client testimonials and impact stories
- ❌ Don't say "looking for work" or "available"
- ❌ Don't list every credential — curate for the audience
Content Strategy¶
- Weekly insights on AI strategy in advertising/media
- Case studies (anonymised) from transformation work
- Industry commentary on Dentsu/WPP/Publicis moves
- Fractional CEO thought leadership — normalise the model
- Engage with PE firms, VC partners, founder posts
Action Plan¶
Week 1: Foundation¶
- Update LinkedIn headline and profile
- Sign up for GLG, Guidepoint, Dialectica (expert networks)
- Create profiles on Go Fractional and Bolster
- Apply to Fractional Quest (UK-specific)
Week 2: Activate¶
- Apply to Nurole (NED marketplace)
- Sign up for NEDonBoard
- First LinkedIn thought leadership post
- Reach out to 10 PE/VC contacts about fractional availability
Week 3-4: Build Pipeline¶
- Start accepting expert network calls
- Apply to Chief Outsiders (if CRO-focused)
- Second round of LinkedIn content
- Follow up with warm network contacts
Ongoing¶
- 2-3 LinkedIn posts per week
- Accept 4-8 expert network calls per month
- Review and respond to fractional platform opportunities weekly
Platform Quick-Reference Links¶
| Action | URL |
|---|---|
| GLG — Sign up as expert | glg.it/network-member |
| Dialectica — Join network | dialectica.com/join |
| Guidepoint — Expert application | guidepoint.com/experts |
| Go Fractional — Join | gofractional.com |
| Bolster — Sign up | bolster.com |
| Fractional Quest — Apply | fractionalquest.co.uk |
| Nurole — NED marketplace | nurole.com |
| NEDonBoard — Join | nedonboard.com |
| Chief Outsiders — Apply | chiefoutsiders.com |