Interim Communications Counsel: Expertise When You Need It Most
Fractional Leadership, Full-Time Impact
More businesses are turning to interim executives to navigate transformation and drive strategic outcomes. According to the data from Business Talent Group, interim leadership roles have grown 116% annually across all levels, with a 78% increase at the C-suite level*. These shifts underscore the growing need for flexible, high-impact leadership solutions—particularly in corporate communications.
An Interim Chief Communications Officer (CCO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), or strategic communications advisor provides focused leadership during pivotal business moments — from transformation and market expansion to crisis response. These interim executives ensure clarity, continuity, and confidence when it matters most, keeping strategy and brand reputation strong through change.
Interim leaders step in when communications stakes are high — during transformation, expansion, or uncertainty. They provide stability, clarity, and direction so teams stay focused, messaging stays consistent, and brand reputation stays protected through change.
What Is an Interim Chief Communications Officer?
An Interim Chief Communications Officer (CCO) delivers senior-level guidance to align communications with business goals, protect brand reputation, and build stakeholder confidence through change or transformation — typically serving for a defined period, often spanning two to four quarters. The Interim CCO typically oversees corporate communications functions such as public relations, analyst relations, and executive communications, as well as marketing functions including brand positioning, content strategy, and digital engagement.
The Role of an Interim CCO: Keeping Strategy on Track
Bringing in an interim CCO or CMO ensures that organizations can sustain and strengthen their communications strategy even in times of transition. Whether a company is between permanent hires or seeking fractional leadership for a specific initiative, interim executives provide stability and expertise without long-term commitments.
Here’s how interim communications leadership can support your business:
Maintaining Momentum – Effective corporate communications shouldn’t pause due to leadership changes. An interim CCO or CMO keeps messaging, programs and teams on track—supporting seamless execution.
Strategic Leadership – Growth and change require a clear marketing and communications strategy. Whether repositioning a brand, refining executive messaging, or rolling out a transformation plan, an interim communications counsel aligns communication strategies with business objectives.
Managing Risk & Reputation – Reputation is an asset. A skilled communication expert can anticipate risks, navigate crises, and ensure that messaging strengthens trust among investors, employees, and customers.
Why More Companies Are Turning to Interim Leadership
Interim leadership can offer companies several key advantages:
Specialized Expertise – A strategic communications advisor brings tailored solutions to complex communication challenges, from M&A activity to reputational management.
Cost-Effective Solutions – Hiring a fractional leader enables companies to access top-tier talent without the overhead of a full-time executive.
Flexibility: Whether due to industry fluctuations, other changes on the leadership team, or pending shifts in business strategy, some companies prefer a flexible solution, while still retaining high-caliber leadership.
Keys to Success with an Interim CCO or Interim CMO
Once retained, make the most of your interim executive:
Integrate Them as Part of Your Executive Team: A fractional leader isn’t just a consultant—they should be embedded in key discussions, providing input alongside the rest of the C-suite. Whether advising on strategic messaging or supporting a leadership transition, including them in executive-level decision-making ensures alignment and impact.
Put Them on the Tough Stuff: Whether it’s managing an internal culture shift or preparing for a major public announcement, their role is to solve problems and deliver results. From crisis communications to program assessments, they bring the objectivity and experience needed to tackle challenges head-on.
Combine Strategy with Project Execution: An effective interim CCO blends high-level strategy with hands-on execution. They don’t just develop the plan—they drive it forward. And with a consultant mindset, they can be adept at rolling up their sleeves, tracking multi-phase projects such as a brand repositioning or product launch.
Leverage Their Fresh Perspective: An interim leader brings an outsider’s objectivity, helping companies spot gaps, identify inefficiencies, and make bold moves. They aren’t tied to internal politics or legacy approaches, which means they can push innovation forward with clear, unbiased recommendations.
Ensure a Smooth Transition: An interim leader can lay the groundwork for future—assessing team structures, refining messaging, and ensuring that the right processes are in place, whether you eventually hire a permanent CCO or CMO. Interim leaders can even help recruit and onboard the next executive, reducing the typical disruption that comes with leadership transitions.
How to Leverage an Interim CCO or CMO for Your Business
If you’re planning your communication strategy or revisiting your approach, it’s a good time to assess whether your organization could benefit from an interim leader who brings sound marketing and communications counsel. Whether you need counsel during a business shift or practical leadership to support ongoing programs, an interim executive can provide the clarity and momentum your company needs.
Lorraine Hamby serves as an interim Chief Communications Officer, guiding companies through growth, change, and transformation. She provides strategic counsel and marketing leadership to tech organizations, enabling teams to navigate complex challenges and communicate with clarity.
* High-End Independent Talent Report, Business Talent Group (BTG)
