Running a business in San Jose is no small task. Whether you’re a startup or a growing company, having the right marketing leadership can make all the difference. But hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) can be expensive. That’s where a fractional CMO comes in. They offer the expertise you need without the full-time cost. In this guide, we’ll cover what a fractional CMO is, introduce some top experts in San Jose, and help you figure out how to choose the best one for your business.
What is a Fractional CMO?
A fractional CMO is a part-time Chief Marketing Officer who works with your company on a contract or freelance basis. They bring high-level marketing strategy and leadership, just like a full-time CMO, but at a fraction of the cost.
Instead of being on your payroll full time, a fractional CMO might work a few days a week or month, depending on what your business needs. They often help build marketing plans, manage teams, oversee branding efforts, and drive customer growth.
This setup works especially well for startups, small businesses, or companies in transition that need expert guidance but aren’t ready to commit to a full-time executive salary. Think of it as getting all the brains without the full-time budget.
NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect: Marketing Leadership to Drive San Jose Growth
At NUOPTIMA, we specialize in helping founder-led businesses in San Jose find high-caliber fractional CMOs through our signature service, C-Suite Connect. This premium solution links companies with seasoned, pre-vetted marketing executives who deliver strategic vision and hands-on execution without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Founded by Alexej Pikovsky, NUOPTIMA has developed a handpicked network of fractional CMOs who have successfully led organizations through key growth milestones. Whether you’re preparing for a product launch, refining your brand positioning, or bringing structure to your marketing efforts, our CMOs are equipped to lead. Each candidate in our network undergoes a comprehensive vetting process, personally managed by Alexej, to ensure performance, cultural alignment, and a track record of success.
To qualify for our network, a fractional CMO must have scaled a business to seven, eight, or nine figures and complete a five-stage screening process:
- Background check: Validating a proven, results-driven history
- Strategic modeling exam: Assessing problem-solving and marketing strategy
- Reference interviews: Confirming achievements and credibility
- Culture fit interview: Ensuring compatibility with your company’s values and goals
- Paid trial sprint: Demonstrating real-time performance under real conditions
Only those who pass every stage become part of the NUOPTIMA bench.
What Makes Us Different
- Strategy + Execution: Our CMOs build the roadmap and get their hands dirty
- Industry Versatility: Experience across SaaS, eCommerce, healthcare, B2B, and more
- Speed: You’ll get matched and onboarded within 7–10 days
- Founder Alignment: Every placement is reviewed by Alexej to ensure the right fit
C-Suite Connect offers San Jose companies a direct path to experienced marketing leadership designed for growth, speed, and measurable impact. Whether you’re scaling up or fine-tuning your strategy, NUOPTIMA is ready to support your next move.
Top Fractional CMOs for San Jose Businesses
1. Franklyn Jones
Franklyn Jones is a seasoned fractional CMO based in San Jose, with over two decades of experience helping early-stage SaaS companies define their brand, build demand, and accelerate growth. With a strong background in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, AI, and enterprise software, Franklyn specializes in helping companies stand out in competitive markets by crafting strategic messaging that resonates with customers and drives results.
Industry Focus and Experience
Franklyn works primarily with venture-backed SaaS startups navigating crowded, fast-moving sectors. His past clients have included companies offering solutions such as:
- Behavior-based email security
- No-code cloud orchestration
- AI-powered SIEM platforms
- Service mesh infrastructure
- MDR cybersecurity services
By working closely with leadership teams, he develops and executes programs that focus on the customer experience while building brand recognition and a healthy sales pipeline.
How He Works
Franklyn is known for being both strategic and hands-on. Whether engaged on a monthly retainer, for a specific project, or through hourly consulting, he becomes a trusted extension of the executive team. His ability to respond quickly, align cross-functional teams, and move fast under pressure has been highlighted by former colleagues and CEOs as a key strength.
Career Highlights
- Held CMO roles at several companies acquired by industry leaders including Juniper Networks, Forcepoint, and Hewlett-Packard
- Played a key role in securing over $10 million in Series A funding by shaping compelling investor-facing narratives and go-to-market strategies
- Created a new product category and led positioning that earned industry recognition and analyst coverage from firms like Gartner
- Launched breakthrough marketing campaigns and rebuilt foundational assets including websites and brand messaging
Education
Franklyn earned his BA in Technical Communications from Michigan Technological University, graduating cum laude. His technical background combined with executive-level marketing experience makes him a powerful asset to any early-stage company looking to grow with clarity and confidence.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/franklynjones
2. Aditi Karandikar
Aditi Karandikar is a San Jose-based fractional CMO with a strong track record in helping startups and mid-sized tech companies scale fast, build demand, and drive measurable revenue. With over 20 years of experience across B2B, B2C, and B2B2C business models, she brings deep expertise in growth marketing, demand generation, and marketing operations across industries like SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and health-tech.
Industry Focus and Experience
Aditi’s career spans roles at fast-scaling startups, venture-backed companies, and large enterprises. She has worked across diverse sectors, including:
- Cloud and SaaS infrastructure
- Cybersecurity and fintech
- AI-powered platforms and RegTech
- Health-tech, Proptech, and cleantech
She has helped organizations achieve key growth milestones, such as Series B funding, private equity acquisition, and successful mergers. Her approach blends strategy with execution, always backed by data and ROI accountability.
How She Works
As a fractional CMO, Aditi offers a flexible, results-focused engagement style. She partners with companies to design and lead full-funnel marketing strategies: from go-to-market planning to campaign execution, tech stack optimization, and performance reporting. She is known for using EOS-compliant frameworks and leveraging AI to improve efficiency and lower costs.
Aditi also supports executive teams with investor communications, pitch deck development, and strategic advisory on outsourcing models to extend operational capacity.
Career Highlights
- Delivered 6x ROI on marketing spend for multiple mid-market and enterprise clients
- Managed $10M+ marketing budgets and generated over $200M in pipeline at Blackhawk Network
- Named a Top 45 Account-Based Marketing Marketer and featured as one of the Most Inspiring Women Leaders of 2021
- Led global demand generation and marketing ops teams as large as 30 people
- Played key roles in launching product-led and sales-led growth motions across various go-to-market models
Education
Aditi holds a Stanford Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a Data Science Certificate from University of California, Berkeley. She also holds certifications in AI in Marketing from the University of Virginia and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who for her professional achievements.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aditikarandikar
3. Wendy A.M. Yale
Wendy A.M. Yale is a seasoned fractional CMO and growth advisor based in San Jose. She partners with early-stage and growth-stage technology companies to build strong go-to-market foundations, launch new products, and scale with precision. With a deep background in enterprise marketing, Wendy brings decades of leadership across cybersecurity, AI, deep tech, and industrial transformation.
Industry Focus and Experience
Wendy’s experience spans both strategic leadership and hands-on marketing execution in complex B2B environments. She has worked with companies across:
- AI and automation
- Cybersecurity and business operations software
- Deep tech and industrial innovation
- Enterprise SaaS and emerging technologies
She’s known for guiding executive teams through early market positioning, brand development, and high-impact marketing strategy, all the way to growth and funding milestones.
How She Works
As a fractional CMO, Wendy takes a consultative approach, aligning closely with leadership teams to craft and execute commercial strategies. She excels at defining product-market fit, refining messaging, and building scalable marketing functions. Her clients rely on her ability to connect big-picture thinking with measurable results.
Wendy often works in high-growth environments, including VC- and PE-backed companies, and is particularly skilled at managing transitions, whether launching a product, entering a new market, or restructuring marketing operations.
Career Highlights
- Led marketing strategy and brand evolution at AppZen and Evolv Technology as Chief Market Officer
- Served as Marketing Partner at DCVC, advising a portfolio of frontier tech startups
- Delivered measurable growth impact across multiple companies in the cybersecurity and AI sectors
- Honored with the DemandGen 10 Award for lead generation innovation while at Varonis
- Known for building strong agency relationships and empowering internal teams to execute at scale
Education
Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from California State University, Northridge and completed additional studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her unique academic background supports her holistic, systems-driven approach to solving business challenges.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendyyale
4. Hillary Cain Houghton
Hillary Cain Houghton is a San Jose-based fractional CMO with a strong focus on B2B marketing in complex, technical industries. With deep experience in the semiconductor sector, she helps companies translate technical offerings into compelling go-to-market strategies. As a co-founder of ChipVantage, she partners with innovative startups and enterprises to sharpen positioning, align sales and marketing, and execute impactful campaigns.
Industry Focus and Experience
Hillary has spent over a decade in senior marketing roles within leading semiconductor and tech companies, including Arm, NXP Semiconductors, and Open-Silicon. Her experience spans:
- Semiconductor marketing and go-to-market strategy
- Licensing models and sales enablement
- AI, machine learning, and IoT platforms
- Mobile, automotive, and industrial technology sectors
She is especially skilled in environments where complex technologies need to be made accessible to varied stakeholders, from engineers to executives.
How She Works
As a fractional CMO and co-leader at ChipVantage, Hillary focuses on high-impact strategy and execution tailored to the semiconductor ecosystem. She brings a structured yet flexible approach, blending strategic content, campaign planning, and cross-functional team leadership. Her engagements typically include aligning marketing with business objectives, building demand programs across the funnel, and equipping sales teams for success.
She also brings strong change management capabilities, having led marketing through multiple organizational transformations and M&A events.
Career Highlights
- Spearheaded Arm’s global adoption of new subscription licensing models through targeted, full-funnel marketing initiatives
- Drove thought leadership, content development, and storytelling as Senior Director of Content Marketing at Arm
- Played a key role in NXP’s corporate marketing during its major acquisition by Qualcomm, leading internal and external communications
- Co-founded ChipVantage to serve the unique needs of the semiconductor industry with strategic marketing services
- Built and led cross-functional teams responsible for campaign execution, product messaging, and stakeholder engagement
Education
Hillary holds a BA in Communications from Pennsylvania State University – Main Campus. Her career combines strong communication fundamentals with technical fluency and industry depth, making her a go-to marketing leader in the semiconductor space.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hillarycain
5. Susan Salgado-Sierra
Susan Salgado-Sierra is a San Jose-based fractional CMO and digital marketing consultant who helps business leaders cut through the noise and build marketing strategies that actually drive results. With over 20 years of experience and a background in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, she offers a rare mix of practical insight, cross-functional leadership, and measurable execution.
Industry Focus and Experience
Susan has worked across a wide range of industries including fintech, digital payments, retail, and professional services. Her core experience lies in:
- Marketing for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Fintech and money transfer services
- Digital and content strategy for growing businesses
- Brand development, rebranding, and go-to-market execution
She has served as VP of Marketing for a major U.S. remittance firm, helped launch and scale new financial products, and led digital strategy initiatives impacting thousands of customer locations.
How She Works
As a fractional CMO with WSI World and founder of BlueSquares Marketing, Susan partners closely with CEOs and business owners who need clarity on digital direction. She works side-by-side with clients to define a realistic roadmap, prioritize marketing efforts, and align strategy with growth goals.
Known for her direct and collaborative style, Susan focuses on what works, cutting unnecessary tools and tactics in favor of practical strategies tailored to each business. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish, adding cross-cultural depth to her consulting engagements.
Career Highlights
- Increased website traffic by over 33,000 annual visitors and grew social media followership by 1,000+ through organic strategy
- Implemented a new debit payment model across an agent network that generated $3M in additional sales
- Launched three new products, built centralized marketing systems, and oversaw company-wide brand redefinition at a U.S. remittance firm
- Provided strategic marketing and rollout support for a digital POS system at MaxiTransfers, serving over 1,000 retail locations
- Successfully guided marketing for multiple businesses through rebrands, process optimization, and full-funnel strategy execution
Education
Susan holds a Master’s in International Marketing from Universidad de Girona in Barcelona and a Marketing Management Certificate from UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. She is also a WSI Certified Consultant and a StoryBrand Certified Guide, bringing structured, proven frameworks to her client work.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-salgado-sierra
6. Denise Barton
Denise Barton is a fractional CMO and marketing strategist based in San Jose who helps high-tech companies build powerful, market-driven marketing programs from the ground up. With decades of experience in B2B technology and deep expertise in integrated marketing, Denise is known for crafting clear, value-driven messaging that resonates with technical buyers and drives growth.
Industry Focus and Experience
Denise brings a strong background in enterprise software, SaaS, and open source technologies. Her past clients and companies include startups, nonprofits, and global tech brands. She specializes in:
- Wired and wireless networking
- Cloud security, IoT, and network management
- Enterprise SaaS applications and digital infrastructure
- Open source platforms and industry consortiums
Denise has held marketing leadership roles at the Open Networking Foundation and Kalkitech, and she’s consulted for organizations like the Linux Foundation, Sibros, and ABB Wireless.
How She Works
Through her consulting firm StratiView, Denise collaborates closely with founders, product teams, and boards to build scalable marketing strategies. Her approach is centered on clarity and execution: she helps companies distill complex technical offerings into impactful messaging and drives growth through structured go-to-market strategies.
She provides full-spectrum marketing support, everything from brand positioning and campaign development to product launches, analyst relations, and digital marketing execution.
Career Highlights
- Built and led integrated marketing programs for nonprofit and open-source tech organizations, including Linux Foundation projects and the P4 Language Consortium
- Spearheaded messaging and brand development for companies launching new network and IoT platforms
- Created comprehensive demand generation and digital marketing strategies from inception to post-IPO
- Developed and managed marketing teams while maintaining strong stakeholder communication, including board and investor alignment
- Led global event strategy and virtual engagement programs for international tech communities
Education
Denise holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the Pacific. Her foundation in business, paired with her hands-on experience in complex tech markets, makes her a highly trusted advisor to growth-stage companies navigating technical sales and marketing.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denise-barton-349b3
7. Claire Umeda
Claire Umeda is a fractional CMO based in San Jose with over 20 years of experience guiding high-growth startups through go-to-market, brand, and product marketing strategy. Known for her data-driven approach and collaborative leadership, Claire has helped multiple companies reach successful exits by aligning marketing with revenue objectives and scaling high-performing teams.
Industry Focus and Experience
Claire’s expertise spans cutting-edge technology sectors and includes deep involvement in:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- SaaS and developer-focused platforms
- Cybersecurity and identity management
- Big data, analytics, and privacy tech
She has played pivotal roles at companies like Okera (acquired by Databricks), APi.AI (acquired by Google), and Promethium AI, driving everything from rebranding to full-scale demand generation and content strategy.
How She Works
Claire brings a unique “player-coach” model to her fractional CMO work. She builds strategy from the top down while rolling up her sleeves to execute where needed. Whether it’s launching a company-wide rebrand or developing persona-based messaging, she adapts quickly and always keeps the focus on driving impact.
She’s especially effective in startup and scale-up environments where teams are lean, timelines are tight, and alignment between product, sales, and marketing is essential.
Career Highlights
- Led marketing strategy for two successful exits: Okera (Databricks) and APi.AI (Google)
- Developed and launched Datafabric.com to reposition Promethium AI as a market leader in data fabric
- Built Airside Live, an award-winning summit for the data and security industry
- Supported HOPPR AI with messaging and brand strategy tied to key product announcements and events
- Delivered marketing for causal AI startup IKASI, focused on measurable business impact and privacy
Education
Claire holds a BS in Journalism: Writing and Editing with a focus in Theater Arts from San José State University. She combines creativity with analytical rigor, enabling her to craft marketing that resonates and performs.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/claireumeda
8. Carolyn Crandall
Carolyn Crandall is a seasoned marketing leader based working with San Jose businesses with more than 30 years of experience leading companies through critical inflection points including IPOs, acquisitions, and high-stakes go-to-market launches. As a fractional CMO and advisor, she brings strategic clarity and execution muscle to fast-scaling companies, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise tech.
Industry Focus and Experience
Carolyn has helped shape some of the most notable success stories in Silicon Valley and beyond, including Cisco’s IPO, Nimble Storage’s IPO, and Attivo Networks’ acquisition by SentinelOne
She has recently led marketing strategy at cutting-edge AI security firms such as AirMDR and GetReal Labs, as well as advising companies like Acalvio Technologies and Forgepoint Capital’s portfolio.
Her core experience lies in:
- Deeptech and B2B cybersecurity
- Enterprise AI and forensic tools
- Scalable SaaS platforms
- Digital trust and deepfake detection
How She Works
Carolyn is known for her hands-on leadership style and ability to turn marketing into a revenue-generating engine. Whether defining product-market fit or aligning GTM messaging with buyer pain points, she takes a pragmatic, ROI-driven approach.
She blends traditional GTM strategy with modern martech and AI tools to improve speed, accuracy, and scale. With both startup grit and enterprise polish, Carolyn helps organizations accelerate growth and prepare for high-visibility moments like funding rounds, IPOs, and M&A.
Career Highlights
- Led GTM strategy at GetReal Labs, helping position the company as a leader in AI-driven deepfake detection
- Helped scale AirMDR with marketing that spoke directly to CISO priorities and pain points
- Founded Marticulate, a strategic marketing consultancy for tech companies navigating growth
- Recognized with multiple awards including Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year, Top 25 Women in Cybersecurity, and Business Woman of the Year
- Co-authored Deception-Based Threat Detection, a foundational text on shifting power back to cyber defenders
Education
Carolyn studied Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Santa Clara University, grounding her marketing leadership in a strong technical foundation. She also contributes to the school’s Executive MBA program as an advisory board member.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cacrandall
Why a Fractional CMO Is a Smart Move for San Jose Companies
San Jose is known for its fast-growing startups, competitive tech scene, and constant innovation. But with all that momentum, many companies struggle to find the right marketing leadership at the right time. A fractional CMO is a flexible, cost-effective solution that fits the pace and pressure of doing business in the Bay Area.
1. High-Level Strategy Without the High-Level Cost
Hiring a full-time CMO can be expensive. A fractional CMO gives you access to executive-level marketing expertise without the hefty price tag. You get someone who can build strategy, manage teams, and drive results without a full-time salary.
2. Flexibility That Matches Your Growth Stage
Whether you’re launching, scaling, or stabilizing, a fractional CMO adapts to your needs. You can bring them in part-time, project-based, or on a recurring schedule that suits your budget and goals.
3. Faster Results in a Fast-Moving Market
In San Jose, speed matters. Fractional CMOs come ready with experience, systems, and strategies they’ve used before. That means less trial and error and more action from day one.
4. Access to Talent You Might Not Afford Full-Time
Fractional roles open the door to professionals who have scaled major startups or led marketing at top companies. You might not be able to hire them full-time, but you can still benefit from their insights and leadership.
How to Choose the Right Fractional CMO
Finding the right fractional CMO for your business in San Jose isn’t just about resumes or experience. It’s about finding someone who understands your industry, fits your company culture, and knows how to get results. Here’s what to look for when making your choice.
Look for Relevant Industry Experience
Every market has its own playbook. A fractional CMO with experience in your industry will understand your audience, your competitors, and your challenges. Whether you’re in SaaS, eCommerce, healthcare, or B2B services, find someone who has walked that path before.
Make Sure They Fit Your Company Culture
Even though they’re not full-time, your CMO will be leading people and making key decisions. Cultural alignment is important. They should communicate well with your team, align with your values, and be comfortable working in your company’s environment.
Ask About Their Track Record
Look for someone who has led marketing through similar growth stages. Ask for examples of real results: revenue growth, improved brand visibility, lead generation, or campaign performance. A strong fractional CMO should be able to show what they’ve done and how they did it.
Test with a Short-Term Project
Before fully committing, consider a short trial. This could be a 30-day sprint or a specific campaign. It gives both sides a chance to see how the relationship works and if their style and strategy truly fit your goals.
Prioritize Strategic and Execution Skills
Some CMOs are great at big-picture thinking but don’t get into the details. Others are too focused on tactics. The best fractional CMOs know how to build a solid strategy and execute it with measurable results. You want both.
Final Word
Hiring a fractional CMO can be a game-changer for businesses in San Jose, especially those looking to scale smart without overextending their budgets. With access to experienced marketing leaders who know how to drive results, you can move faster, sharpen your strategy, and grow with confidence. Whether you’re in SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, or another fast-moving space, San Jose’s top fractional CMOs bring a mix of big-picture thinking and hands-on execution to help your company stand out.
If you’re ready to take the next step, the experts listed in this guide are a great place to start. They’ve helped companies through funding rounds, product launches, brand repositioning, and more, and they’re ready to help you too.
FAQ
Fractional CMOs offer flexibility, speed, and top-tier expertise for less. They’re ideal for startups, growing companies, or businesses in transition that need marketing strategy without the full-time overhead.
Costs vary depending on experience, scope, and engagement length. Some CMOs charge hourly, while others work on a monthly retainer. It’s often more cost-effective than hiring an in-house exec.
Look for experience in your industry, a track record of results, cultural fit, and the ability to work hands-on. Ask for references, review past work, and make sure they align with your business goals.
Many fractional CMOs do both. They can help shape your overall strategy and also manage teams, lead campaigns, write content, and drive demand generation, especially in lean environments.
