How is a Fractional CCO different from a PR agency? 

A fractional CCO leads from the inside. While PR agencies often handle only execution (press releases, media outreach, etc.), a fractional CCO provides high-level strategy, executive counsel, and internal alignment—sometimes combined with more tactical execution. 

Key differences: 

• Strategic leadership vs. tactical support 

• Direct access to executives and boards 

• Focus on long-term brand and reputation 

• Integrated with your team and business goals

Why would a business need a Fractional CCO? 

Hiring a Fractional CCO is ideal when: 

• You need executive-level guidance without a full-time salary 

• Your company is experiencing rapid growth, change, or transition 

• Your CEO or CMO needs support turning strategy into messaging 

• You’re entering a new market, fundraising, or prepping for M&A 

• You’re dealing with crisis, reputational risk, or high visibility

What services does PURDYPR provide as a Fractional CCO? 

Our fractional CCO engagements typically include: 

• Strategic messaging and brand positioning 

• Crisis communications planning and response 

• Executive visibility and thought leadership 

• Media and analyst relations 

• Stakeholder communications (internal, investor, board) 

• Team development and agency oversight 

• Corporate narrative and content strategy 

Is a Fractional CCO right for startups or only large companies?

A fractional CCO is ideal for startups, growth-stage companies, and mid-sized businesses—especially those who are: 

• Not ready for a full-time CCO 

• Needing to upgrade their messaging and PR 

• Entering a new phase of visibility, investment, or scale 

Large companies may also use a fractional CCO to fill leadership gaps during transitions or provide outside expertise for special initiatives. 

How does PURDYPR structure its engagements? 

We offer flexible engagement models: 

• Monthly retainers for ongoing support 

• Project-based work for specific initiatives (e.g., rebrands, crises) 

• Hourly advisory sessions for leadership teams or boards 

 Every engagement is customized to fit your goals, team, and internal capacity.  

How is a Fractional CCO different from a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? 

While there can be overlap, a CCO focuses on reputation, messaging, and stakeholder communications, while a CMO focuses on marketing campaigns, lead generation, and customer acquisition. A Fractional CCO works closely with marketing—but ensures communications are aligned across leadership, media, employees, investors, and the public. 

Can a Fractional CCO help during a crisis? 

Yes. Crisis communications is one of the key reasons companies hire PURDYPR. We help: 

• Prepare response plans in advance 

• Lead message development and approvals 

• Serve as spokesperson or media coach 

• Manage stakeholder updates and internal alignment 

• Provide real-time strategy during high-pressure situations 

Is hiring a Fractional CCO cost-effective? 

Yes. According to an Korn Ferry Executive Pay Report a full-time Chief Communications Officer can cost over $300,000 per year, not including benefits and bonuses. PR agencies can cost $240,000+. A fractional engagement gives you access to senior-level expertise at a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing strategic depth or leadership. 

What types of clients does PURDYPR work with? 

We work with: 

• Venture-backed startups 

• Mid-sized companies 

• Private equity portfolio companies 

• Founders, executives, and leadership teams 

• Companies in high-stakes, high-growth, or high-visibility phases 

What’s the difference between a Fractional CCO and a Communications Consultant? 

A communications consultant typically provides advice or support on specific projects. A Fractional CCO acts as a part-time executive—owning strategy, leading implementation, and guiding cross-functional alignment over time. They think like a business leader, not just a vendor. 

Can a Fractional CCO work with our internal communications or marketing team? 

Yes. At PURDYPR, we often collaborate with internal marketing, HR, investor relations, and legal teams. We serve as a senior partner—offering leadership, sharpening strategy, and ensuring everyone speaks with a clear, unified voice. 

Can a Fractional CCO support investor communications? 

Yes. We help companies craft messaging for: 

• Capital raises 

• Investor updates and pitch decks 

• Earnings announcements 

• Board presentations 

• Strategic transactions (e.g. acquisitions or exits) 

Are businesses increasing their use of fractional, contract, or interim executives?

Yes. According to Deloitte’s Future of Workforce Trends 2024 report, 59% of business leaders plan to increase their use of fractional, contract, or interim executives over the next two years.

How quickly do interim executives become effective compared to full-time hires?

Interim executives typically reach full effectiveness in half the time of permanent hires (Toptal, State of Fractional Work 2023). In contrast, full-time executive onboarding averages 6–9 months (Harvard Business Review, Onboarding Executives Study 2022).

Does PURDYPR offer only fractional CCO services? 

No. While our core offering is executive-level communications leadership, PURDYPR also provides: 

• PR and brand audits 

• Messaging architecture and narrative development 

• Media training 

• Media and analyst relations

• Crisis simulations 

• Agency sourcing and team building