In short
A full-time, temporary technology leader who covers a gap in the executive team, typically during a search process, a transition, or a critical delivery sprint.
Unlike a fractional CTO who works part-time on an ongoing basis, an interim CTO is full-time and time-limited.
Where it bites
Interim CTO matters when technical choices are costing leadership time, budget, or hiring confidence. The useful question is who owns the decision, not who can explain the acronym.
What to check
- Who owns the decision after the meeting?
- What changes in the next 30 days?
- Which cost is avoided by adding senior judgment now?
Common questions
What is Interim CTO?
A full-time, temporary technology leader who covers a gap in the executive team, typically during a search process, a transition, or a critical delivery sprint.
Why does Interim CTO matter?
Interim CTO matters when technical choices are costing leadership time, budget, or hiring confidence. The useful question is who owns the decision, not who can explain the acronym.
What should you check first for Interim CTO?
Who owns the decision after the meeting? What changes in the next 30 days? Which cost is avoided by adding senior judgment now?