Bridging Gaps and Building Strategic Advantage
Introduction
In over 20 years of insurance, enterprise and strategic risk leadership, I have stepped into the Chief Risk Officer role for different reasons.
Sometimes, it was to bridge a gap during a leadership transition. Other times, it was because the company intentionally chose not to have a full-time CRO but still wanted the leadership, credibility, and risk governance expertise the position brings.
Whether you are facing an unplanned CRO departure or simply want strategic guidance without the cost of a permanent executive, a Fractional CRO can deliver the oversight and stability you need.
Why Organizations Choose a Fractional CRO
1. Continuity During Leadership Transitions
When a CRO leaves, momentum can quickly be lost. Board and Audit Committee reporting may stall. Insurance renewals might proceed without competitive review, resulting in higher premiums and coverage gaps. Crisis readiness and business continuity planning can fade into the background. Without consistent follow-through, risk action plans can stall, increasing the likelihood that risks materialize.
A Fractional CRO keeps your program moving forward so the next permanent CRO steps into a stable, compliant, and well-run function, enabling them to focus on further improving the program.
2. Strategic Expertise Without a Full-Time Commitment
For many private equity-backed portfolio companies or small to mid-sized organizations, the volume of work may not justify a dedicated full-time CRO. Yet these companies still benefit from the credibility, insight, and governance that senior risk leadership provides.
A Fractional CRO allows you to maintain high-level expertise at the table while internal team members develop their skills. You can tell stakeholders and investors that a senior risk leader is in place, without committing to the ongoing cost of a full-time executive.
What a Fractional CRO Delivers
In my engagements, I manage the full scope of responsibilities you would expect from a permanent CRO, including:
- Enterprise Risk Management programs – Advancing maturity, maintaining action plans, and ensuring continuous Board and Audit Committee reporting.
- Crisis Management and Business Continuity – Keeping prevention, preparedness, and response plans active and tested.
- Corporate Insurance Programs – Overseeing placements / renewals, broker and vendor relationships, competitive RFPs (as needed), claims support, and captive insurance management.
- Risk Governance and Accountability – Ensuring clear ownership of risk actions and measurable progress on top priorities.
This ensures compliance, operational readiness, and continued strategic progress. This is whether I am there for a defined transition or in an ongoing fractional role.
Proven Impact Across Industries
I have delivered measurable results for organizations in Financial Services, FinTech, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Technology, including:
Designing and implementing ERM frameworks that accelerated maturity and positioned the next CRO for success.
Saving over $1 million in insurance program costs by introducing competitive review and strengthening renewal strategies, while improving overall program coverage.
Serving as President of a captive insurance company to maintain services that reduced claims exposure and reliance on costly commercial insurance.
The Risks of Not Having CRO Leadership in Place
- Higher Total Cost of Risk from uncertain renewal strategies or coverage gaps.
- Slower program maturity, forcing future leaders to focus on immediate and costly responses to problems instead of steady progress.
- Governance concerns whether risk reporting is delayed or incomplete.
- Weakened crisis readiness, leaving the organization more vulnerable to operational and reputational damage.
When a Fractional CRO Makes Sense
Hiring a Fractional CRO makes sense for many reasons, some of which include the following.
- Unplanned CRO departure or leadership turnover.
- Mergers, acquisitions, or organizational restructuring.
- Large-scale transformations or strategic change initiatives.
- Private equity portfolio companies balancing cost and governance needs.
- Small to mid-sized organizations wanting senior expertise without a full-time role.
Keeping Risk Leadership on Track
Whether you are navigating a leadership transition or making a strategic choice to maintain senior-level risk expertise without the cost of a permanent role, a Fractional CRO can keep your organization on track, protect your governance, and advance your strategic objectives.
Let’s discuss how to keep your risk program moving forward without missing a beat.
Click here to schedule a Discovery Session or use the Discovery Session button on my website.