8 Best CTO Headhunters UK 2026
Ranked comparison of the best CTO headhunters for fractional, interim, and permanent Chief Technology Officer appointments.
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Erevena
Tech Leadership
Specialist technology leadership recruiter with deep VC and scale-up networks. Strong in CTO and VP Engineering placements.
Odgers Berndtson
CTO, CIO, CDO
Global executive search with strong technology practice. Deep networks in FTSE and large enterprises.
Heidrick & Struggles
Global CTO
Strong technology practice with global reach. Specialists in digital transformation leadership.
Harvey Nash
Technology Leadership
Technology-focused executive search with strong CTO and IT director networks.
Korn Ferry
CTO, C-Suite
Global leader with proprietary CTO assessment and technical leadership evaluation.
Spencer Stuart
CTO, Board Tech
Top-tier technology leadership practice with strong board-level networks.
Stanton House
Tech Directors
Strong mid-market technology recruitment with CTO and technical leadership focus.
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 CTO Headhunter?
The CTO role demands a rare combination of technical depth and business acumen. Today's Chief Technology Officers lead digital transformation, manage complex engineering teams, and shape product strategy. Finding leaders who can bridge technology and business requires specialist expertise.
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
CTO headhunter fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for retained search. Fractional CTO 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
📊 CTO Market Snapshot
💰 CTO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK CTO roles.
