If you’re running a cloud-based business and want to grow faster without hiring a full-time CMO, a fractional CMO could be exactly what you need. These are seasoned marketing leaders who work with your team part-time but bring full-time experience and results. In this guide, we’ll break down what a fractional CMO does, why it matters for cloud companies, and how to find the right one for your business along with a list of the best fractional CMOs for your company.
What Is a Fractional CMO?
A fractional CMO is a senior marketing expert who works with your company part-time or on a contract basis. They bring years of experience in marketing leadership but without the full-time salary and overhead that comes with hiring an in-house executive. It’s a smart solution for companies that need high-level strategy and direction but aren’t quite ready to commit to a full-time CMO.
For cloud companies in particular, a fractional CMO can be a game-changer. Whether you’re trying to refine your go-to-market strategy, boost lead generation, or align your sales and marketing teams, they step in with a fresh perspective and proven playbooks. You get the benefits of executive-level marketing without slowing down your budget or your growth.
NUOPTIMA: Where Strategy Meets Execution
Founded by Alexej Pikovsky, NUOPTIMA connects founder-led, product-first brands with top-tier fractional CMOs through its C-Suite Connect platform. Every CMO in our network is handpicked and vetted through a process personally overseen by Alexej to ensure not only marketing expertise but strategic and cultural alignment.
To get on the bench, a CMO must have scaled a business from seven to nine figures and made it through a five-layered evaluation process:
- Track Record Review: We verify real results and business outcomes
- Strategic Modelling Exam: Tests for deep thinking and structured decision-making
- Reference Calls: Honest insights from past CEOs, investors, and leadership peers
- Culture Fit Interview: Assesses leadership style, values, and team chemistry
- Paid Trial Sprint: A short-term project that proves hands-on execution under pressure
Only those who meet the bar across all five make it into the network.
Why NUOPTIMA Works
These aren’t just strategists. They roll up their sleeves and lead execution. Every CMO we place brings deep ecommerce and growth experience across DTC, marketplaces, and omnichannel brands. Matching happens fast, typically within 7 to 10 days. And every placement is reviewed by Alexej to make sure it’s a true fit on both sides.
C-Suite Connect gives founder-led companies access to marketing leadership that actually moves the needle. Whether it’s building a growth engine or scaling toward nine figures, NUOPTIMA CMOs bring the playbook and the track record to make it happen.
Top Fractional CMO for Cloud Companies
1. Ed Valdez
Ed Valdez is a metric driven fractional CMO who helps AI, SaaS, IT and EdTech companies unlock rapid B2B and B2C growth. He blends Fortune 500 discipline with lean startup speed, using data backed insights, automation and agile marketing sprints to move the revenue needle.
Core Expertise
- Go to market playbooks for cloud, AI and SaaS platforms
- Demand generation powered by voice of customer data and advanced analytics
- Sales and marketing automation stacks that scale globally
- Funding, M&A and exit strategy support for venture backed teams
Career Highlights
- Parrot: Grew US sales 10x and doubled international revenue in three years while preparing the company for IPO
- Motorola: Launched the first RAZR platform, driving USD 1 billion in sales and halving cost of goods
- Multiple Startups: Mentored founders from seed to Series C, helping raise more than USD 100 million and guiding six successful acquisitions or funding rounds in the past two years
- Enterprise SaaS: Consolidated product lines for a major dev firm, boosting sales 30 percent in twelve months with retail clients such as Lululemon and Neiman Marcus
Education and Credentials
Ed holds a BSEE from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He also completed the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business. He serves as a mentor at Techstars, sits on the SXSW advisory board, and is an active member of the Central Texas Angel Network.
How Ed Works
Ed joins leadership teams as a player coach, running short, data driven sprints that surface quick wins while building long term growth engines. He aligns closely with CEOs to translate vision into measurable KPIs, then rolls up his sleeves to test, iterate and scale what works. His process typically covers:
- Voice of customer research to pinpoint high value segments
- Agile experimentation to validate positioning and channels
- Automation of repeatable demand gen workflows
- Dashboarding and analytics to optimize ROI and guide the next sprint
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/edvaldez8888
- Location: Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area
2. Bray Brockbank
Bray Brockbank is a seasoned fractional CMO and marketing strategist who specializes in scaling B2B SaaS brands across LegalTech, FinTech, HealthTech, and EdTech. With two decades of leadership experience, Bray brings a rare mix of creative vision, operational discipline, and performance-driven execution. He excels at building high-conversion demand engines, restructuring go-to-market operations, and aligning cross-functional teams around clear growth targets.
Core Expertise
- Full-funnel marketing leadership across SaaS, cloud, and emerging tech
- High-efficiency demand generation and lead-to-revenue optimization
- Brand positioning, category creation, and messaging architecture
- MarTech, MOPs, and performance analytics for ROI-driven execution
- GTM playbooks tailored for startups, scaleups, and SMBs
Career Highlights
- YouCompli: Increased MQLs 15x and lead conversion by 855% with under 10% YoY budget growth
- Stealth AI Startup: Led all global marketing strategy including product marketing, international expansion, and demand gen in a fast-moving AI environment
- iManage: Achieved 5x growth in content engagement and a 22% increase in organic traffic, while repositioning the business as a cloud-first SaaS brand
- Brandegy: Drove marketing for multiple VC-backed companies, including Divvy (acquired by Bill.com), with successful rebrands, growth campaigns, and fundraising support
- Research Advisory: Served as an expert for AlphaSights, GLG, and Guidepoint on SaaS trends, HealthTech, FinTech, and LegalTech
Education and Credentials
Bray holds a BS in Business Management and Marketing from Utah Valley University. He is currently completing his MBA in International Business and Marketing while working. He also holds certifications in Account-Based Marketing (Demandbase) and B2B strategy. Outside of work, he actively contributes to humanitarian efforts through a faith-based global relief organization.
How Bray Works
Bray builds tailored marketing systems designed to drive growth in complex, regulated, and competitive industries. His approach is deeply cross-functional and data-informed.
- Aligns teams with shared revenue goals, supported by clear GTM strategy
- Installs lightweight but powerful marketing ops infrastructure (MOPs and SOPs)
- Deploys targeted demand generation and ABM programs to maximize ROI
- Uses real-time dashboards to adapt quickly and double down on what works
Bray is especially effective in early-stage and scaleup environments where focus, clarity, and momentum are essential.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/braybrockbank
- Location: Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area
3. Kim Chau
Kim Chau is a seasoned marketing executive and fractional CMO with over 20 years of global B2B experience across technology, SaaS, cloud, and IT services. She leads with a data-driven mindset and a deep understanding of how to scale revenue through brand strength, partner ecosystems, and demand generation. With a background in engineering, she’s uniquely skilled at turning complex products into compelling customer value stories.
Core Expertise
- Go-to-market strategy and demand generation
- Channel and partner marketing strategy
- Product and solution marketing for cloud and SaaS
- Digital marketing, SEO/SEM, and performance analytics
- ABM, sales enablement, and event marketing execution
Career Highlights
- Bluum: Delivered 2X ROI by expanding the partner marketing strategy and execution model, increasing pipeline and acquisition outcomes
- T-Mobile: Boosted marketing-driven revenue from 3% to 38% by unlocking vertical segments and partner channels; led team that won the NRF Most Innovative Award in 2023
- Zones: Drove over 100% of KPI goals in brand, pipeline, and revenue; led integrated campaigns across digital, product marketing, social, SEO/SEM, and sales enablement
- Microsoft: Increased sales 20% by launching a customer conversion program and partnering with SIs and ISVs to shorten time to market
- Sierra Wireless: Improved sales conversion 35% through partner enablement and increased pipeline by 25% via new demand gen programs
- PCS: Generated 150% of lead targets and over 100% of brand goals using digital campaigns and events; recognized as Most Innovative at MDM Conference
Education and Credentials
Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA in Strategic Leadership and Marketing from California Southern University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She also holds certifications in strategic product planning, partner selling, and leadership from institutions like Kellogg and Ericsson. In parallel to her marketing leadership roles, she teaches MBA marketing courses at Strayer University.
How Kim Works
Kim steps into fast-moving organizations as both strategist and operator, blending executional speed with executive discipline. She is especially effective in cross-functional settings where she brings together sales, marketing, and product to align on outcomes.
- Builds go-to-market plans that are grounded in business goals and scalable systems
- Activates demand generation and ABM programs to fuel pipeline growth
- Leverages MarTech and analytics to continuously optimize performance
- Develops high-performing teams and enables lasting marketing maturity
Kim is a proven builder who thrives in complex environments and is trusted by CEOs to deliver measurable results across both pipeline and brand.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kim-chau-77a2091
- Location: Greater Seattle Area
4. Nicolai Zerlang
Nicolai Zerlang is a data-driven fractional CMO and B2B SaaS marketing leader with 7+ years of experience scaling fast-growing companies across Europe and the US. He specializes in building full-funnel marketing engines that fuel revenue growth, with a strong focus on CRM, MarTech architecture, and operational scale. Known for his clear strategy, calm leadership style, and deep executional knowledge, Nicolai helps B2B startups and scaleups turn marketing into a revenue machine.
Core Expertise
- B2B SaaS marketing strategy and execution
- Pipeline generation and full-funnel demand generation
- MarTech stack development and CRM optimization
- Messaging, positioning, and brand transformation
- Product marketing and sales enablement
Career Highlights
- Logpoint: Scaled marketing to deliver over 50% of total company revenue, led two rebrands, and built a global MarTech stack to support rapid growth. Shortened sales cycles by ~60% through tighter GTM alignment and focused messaging
- SecurityBridge: Leading marketing efforts to drive awareness and efficiency as part of a global GTM push
- Fractional CMO: Advises SaaS companies on building high-performing marketing systems, focusing on pipeline, brand positioning, and scalable processes
- Demand Gen Success: Built marketing from scratch to deliver €30M+ in pipeline per year
Education and Credentials
Nicolai holds a Master’s degree in Management of Innovation and Business Development and a Bachelor of Science in International Business, both from Copenhagen Business School. He also completed certifications in PRINCE2 project management and marketing from institutions like MetierWestergaard and The Wharton School. Nicolai has a strong academic foundation and a sharp operational mindset, shaped by real-world experience leading marketing at high-growth SaaS companies.
How Nicolai Works
Nicolai partners with founders and GTM leaders to create a strategic marketing function that actually drives revenue. His approach is structured, team-oriented, and results-focused.
- Develops messaging and strategy tied directly to business goals
- Builds and optimizes the MarTech stack to support scale
- Launches demand generation programs that move pipeline
- Aligns marketing with sales and product for faster cycles and cleaner handoffs
Nicolai brings leadership, clarity, and execution to B2B SaaS teams ready to scale.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nzerlang
- Location: Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
5. Jolynn Applebaum
Jolynn Applebaum is a powerhouse fractional CMO with over two decades of experience leading marketing for B2B SaaS, cloud, and tech companies. With a career rooted in high-impact roles at Cisco, ServiceNow, and Cision, she transforms marketing from a support function into a primary growth engine. Jolynn is known for building marketing machines that are data-informed, customer-obsessed, and strategically aligned with revenue goals. Whether she’s rebranding a company, launching a demand gen engine, or optimizing team structure, Jolynn delivers results that scale.
Core Expertise
- Go-to-market strategy and full-funnel demand generation
- Brand positioning, messaging, and rebranding execution
- Marketing operations, analytics, and attribution modeling
- Campaign development across enterprise, SMB, and ABM motions
- Interim CMO support during times of growth or transition
Career Highlights
- Profit Edge Strategies: Created a six-phase growth framework used by B2B SaaS companies to scale demand, optimize funnel performance, and build sustainable marketing systems
- Cision: Built a new demand generation team and engine that drove 70% of all lead volume for PR Newswire; launched a new corporate website and campaign ecosystem
- ServiceNow: Led global integrated campaigns for multiple business units, including Security and Risk; campaigns supported $35M+ in bookings and doubled product training adoption
- Cisco: Generated nearly 1 million net new leads, contributing $26M in revenue; pioneered Cisco’s global advocacy program and ABM strategy
- Genesys: Transformed the company’s digital marketing strategy, launched a new demand center, and drove a major website redesign to shift from information to lead generation
Education and Credentials
Jolynn holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics and Languages from Georgetown University and an MBA in Marketing from Loyola University Maryland. She has received multiple industry awards, including the Cisco Pinnacle Award and Media Industry Newsletter’s Integrated Marketing Award. Beyond her executive work, she actively serves on the board of WildCare and has contributed to human rights advocacy through roles in Washington, D.C.
How Jolynn Works
Jolynn applies a proven growth framework designed to align marketing strategy with business outcomes. She focuses on clarity, precision, and scalable execution.
- Validate: Audit marketing operations and assess performance gaps
- Imagine: Identify new strategic opportunities for growth
- Strategize: Define goals, audiences, and messaging architecture
- Implement: Launch targeted campaigns across key segments
Jolynn partners with founder-led companies that are ready to grow with purpose. Her mix of executive presence, operational depth, and creativity makes her a standout fractional CMO for fast-moving B2B SaaS teams.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jolynnapplebaum
- Location: San Francisco, California, United States
6. Philippa Ochonski
Philippa Ochonski is a seasoned portfolio CMO and Marketing Director with over twenty years of international experience leading marketing strategy for B2B tech, cloud, SaaS, and open-source companies. Her career spans both global corporations like IBM and HP, and high-growth SMEs such as Coremetrics and Alfresco, giving her a rare mix of structure and agility. She balances strategic clarity with hands-on delivery, making her a trusted partner for founder-led businesses.
Core Expertise
- Marketing strategy, planning, and go-to-market execution
- Demand generation and pipeline growth
- Company rebranding and value proposition development
- Product marketing and positioning
- Field marketing and marketing automation
Career Highlights
- The Marketing Centre: Acted as a fractional CMO to scale marketing for UK businesses between £5m and £50m in turnover. Helped business owners refocus strategy, improve lead quality, and unlock growth without the overhead of a full-time CMO
- MESTEC: As Marketing Director, supported digital transformation of marketing efforts for this manufacturing SaaS platform
- ProspectSoft: Led marketing efforts as CMO, driving improvements in brand visibility, campaign effectiveness, and sales alignment
- IBM and HP: Held senior roles across EMEA in marketing strategy and execution, blending corporate process with customer-centric approaches
- Follow The Women: Provided over two decades of pro bono marketing leadership to an international peace charity, combining purpose with strategic clarity
Education and Credentials
Philippa holds a BA in Marketing with Languages from the University of South Wales and has completed advanced courses in UK property strategy and investment through the Asset Academy. Her background includes both academic and applied learning across marketing disciplines, and she is endorsed by colleagues across the tech sector for her demand generation and direct marketing leadership.
How Philippa Works
Philippa brings structure, clarity, and momentum to marketing operations. Her typical engagement style focuses on both strategic reset and hands-on delivery, adapted to a business’s growth stage and internal resources.
- Assess marketing challenges and align with business goals
- Build a tailored strategy and roadmap based on budget and resources
- Guide internal teams or external agencies to execute at pace
- Monitor performance and adjust tactics to maximize ROI
- Support founders in preparing for funding rounds or exit events
Philippa’s blend of big-picture thinking and operational know-how makes her a strong fit for scaling businesses that need marketing leadership without the cost or complexity of a full-time hire.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ochonski
- Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom
Why Fractional CMOs Are a Smart Fit for Cloud Companies
Built for Speed and Scale
Cloud companies don’t have the luxury of slow, traditional growth cycles. Whether you’re launching a new SaaS product or chasing enterprise accounts, you need someone who can hit the ground running. Fractional CMOs are used to stepping in fast, diagnosing what’s broken, and building strategies that scale without the red tape.
Expertise Without the Overhead
Hiring a full-time CMO is expensive, and often unnecessary in the early to mid stages. A fractional CMO gives you access to top-tier marketing leadership without the long-term headcount cost. It’s high-impact thinking and execution, without the burn on your budget.
Focused on What Actually Moves the Needle
Many cloud companies burn time on scattered marketing efforts that don’t tie back to revenue. Fractional CMOs bring focus. They align your marketing with business goals, connect the dots between teams, and zero in on the channels, messages, and tactics that actually drive pipeline.
Plug-and-Play Leadership
Need someone to lead a team, fix your funnel, or prep for fundraising? A fractional CMO can flex into the role you need right now. They’re not just consultants, they’re operators who roll up their sleeves and move fast. Perfect for when internal bandwidth is low, but growth expectations are high.
How to Choose the Right CMO for Your Cloud Company
1. Start with Stage Fit
Not every CMO is right for every phase of growth. Some thrive in early-stage chaos, while others excel at scaling. Be honest about where you are, whether that’s finding product-market fit, building your first GTM engine, or preparing for a major funding round. Choose someone who has done that exact stage before, multiple times.
2. Look for Cloud-Specific Experience
Cloud businesses have unique challenges like technical audiences, long buying cycles, and complex messaging. You want someone who understands the ins and outs of SaaS, infrastructure, or AI platforms, and has experience navigating similar markets and customer types.
3. Make Sure They Can Think and Do
You don’t want a strategist who hands off slide decks. You also don’t want a doer without a clear plan. The right CMO brings both: they set direction and know how to execute. Whether that means rebuilding your funnel, aligning with sales, or hiring your first marketer, they should be ready to jump in.
4. Test for Culture and Chemistry
This person is going to be close to your leadership team. It’s important they match your pace, communication style, and values. A paid trial or short sprint project gives both sides a chance to test the waters before making a longer-term decision.
5. Ask for Results That Matter
You’re hiring for impact, not theory. Ask them to walk you through specific examples: how they increased pipeline, drove down CAC, or scaled ARR. The right CMO will have real stories and data to back them up. If they’ve done it before, they’ll be ready to do it again.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a fractional CMO might be one of the smartest growth decisions a cloud company can make. It gives you high-level marketing leadership without the full-time cost or long hiring cycles. Whether you’re building your first GTM motion, refining your brand, or scaling pipeline, the right CMO brings clarity, speed, and proven results.
FAQ
A fractional CMO steps into your business part-time to lead marketing strategy and execution. They help shape messaging, drive demand generation, build your team or tech stack, and align marketing with growth goals.
You get the same senior expertise without the long-term overhead or hiring delay. Fractional CMOs are typically brought in for a few days per week or month, focused on specific outcomes or stages of growth.
Yes. The best fractional CMOs set direction and then roll up their sleeves. They don’t just make the plan, they help build and execute it too.
It depends on your stage and resources. A fractional CMO can be a faster, more cost-effective way to unlock senior leadership, especially if you’re not ready to build a full marketing department just yet.
