Technology can make or break your business. Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes digital transformation, cleaning up an IT disaster, or preparing your company for sale, you need smart, decisive leadership. But what happens when your organization can’t wait six months to recruit the perfect permanent CIO?
That’s where an interim CIO comes in.
Unlike a full-time hire, interim CIOs bring speed, clarity, and deep experience — often stepping in after a CIO departs, during a crisis, or ahead of a major initiative.
This guide breaks down what every CEO, board member, or private equity investor should know about hiring an interim CIO—how to recognize when you need one, what they actually do, how they differ from CTOs and fractional executives, and what traits to look for.