8 Best CMO Headhunters UK 2026
Ranked comparison of the best CMO headhunters for fractional, interim, and permanent Chief Marketing Officer appointments.
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EMR Recruitment
Marketing & Digital
Specialist marketing recruitment firm with dedicated CMO practice. Strong in FMCG, retail, and consumer brands.
Odgers Berndtson
CMO, Board Marketing
Global executive search with strong CMO practice. Deep networks in FTSE 250 and PE-backed businesses.
Spencer Stuart
CMO, Chief Growth Officer
Top-tier CMO headhunter with global marketing leadership practice and deep brand-side networks.
The Marketing Recruitment Group
Marketing Directors
Specialist marketing recruiter with strong mid-market and scale-up focus.
Korn Ferry
CMO, C-Suite
Global leader with proprietary CMO assessment and leadership development capabilities.
Heidrick & Struggles
Consumer CMO
Strong consumer and retail CMO practice with global reach.
Russell Reynolds
PE-backed CMO
Premium CMO headhunter for PE portfolio companies and IPO-track businesses.
About These Rankings
Fee percentages are industry estimates. Executive search firms do not publicly disclose their fee structures. Industry-standard retained search fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for C-level roles. See MERJE's guide and TGS's pricing guide for industry context.
Placement times are estimates based on industry norms and publicly stated timelines where available. Actual timelines vary significantly based on role complexity, market conditions, and candidate availability. We recommend confirming current rates and timelines directly with each provider.
Rankings are based on our editorial assessment considering value, speed, specialisation, and market reputation. Fractional Quest is operated by the same team that produces this content — we've ranked ourselves #1 based on our pricing model, not independent verification.
Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
Why Use a Specialist CMO Headhunter?
The CMO role has transformed dramatically. Today's Chief Marketing Officers drive revenue growth, lead digital transformation, and shape brand strategy at board level. Finding this calibre of marketing leader requires specialist expertise and deep networks in the marketing community.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
CMO headhunter fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for retained search. Fractional CMO placements may have lower flat fees around 10-15%.
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 CMO Market Snapshot
💰 CMO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK CMO roles.
