Fractional CTO · Independent Agencies
Fractional CTO
for Independent Agencies
The technical resource that independent agencies can't afford to hire full-time — but can't afford not to have.
Independent agencies operate without the technical infrastructure of a holding company. When a WPP or Publicis agency needs architectural guidance, they have a global centre of excellence. When an independent does, they have whoever they can afford to hire — or a fractional CTO. The gap shows up in pitches, in delivery, and in the quality of technical talent you can attract and keep.
Where I help most
The problems independent agencies hire a fractional CTO to solve.
Competing without holding company support
WPP, Publicis, and IPG agencies have technical practices, frameworks, and expert networks. Independent agencies compete against them for the same enterprise clients without those advantages. A fractional CTO levels that playing field.
Founder as de facto technical decision-maker
Most independent agency founders end up approving platform choices, fielding technical questions from clients, and unblocking delivery. That works at small scale. It doesn't work when you're growing — and it's usually the last thing to get fixed.
Retaining technical talent
Without senior technical leadership, your best developers leave for agencies or product companies that offer clearer direction and better mentorship. A fractional CTO sets that direction without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Background
26 years building and leading digital at agency level.
I've worked inside holding company agencies (AKQA within WPP, Digitas within Publicis) and led the tech function at AnalogFolk as an independent. I understand what independence costs technically — and how to close the gap.
Full background →How I work with agencies
Fractional CTO Retainer
Ongoing technical leadership — strategy, architecture, team oversight — typically 2–4 days per week.
Fixed-Scope Project
Tech audits, architecture reviews, and specific deliverables with a defined timeline and fixed price.
AI Development Workshop
Two-day in-person workshop where your team builds AI agents for your development lifecycle.
Technical Due Diligence
Independent assessment of a codebase, team, or platform — for investors, acquirers, or founders.
Ready to talk?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll talk through your agency's technical situation and I'll tell you honestly whether I can help.