Fractional CEO cost.
Monthly retainer: EUR 6,000 to 15,000 for 1 to 3 days a week. Day rate alternative: EUR 1,800 to 2,800 per day. Everything else is detail.
Topic: fractional CEO cost
Two pricing models.
Per month, 1 to 3 days per week, 6 to 18 months. Default.
- €6k — 1 day / week, established team.
- €10k — 2 days / week, typical engagement.
- €15k — 3 days / week, P&L turnaround or complex scope.
Per working day, minimum 4 days per month, 3 month commitment.
Used when scope is hard to forecast or for short, intense pre-engagement work (diagnostic, M&A side-letter).
What drives the number?
Full P&L vs single line. Hire/fire authority. Board interface.
1, 2 or 3 days a week. More than 3 stops being fractional.
Growth, restructuring or turnaround. Turnaround is more demanding.
For early-stage companies, part of the cash can be replaced with equity. Discussed case by case.
Is there a free trial or first session?
No. The intro call is free, the diagnostic is paid at day rate. Free strategic work is a bad signal for both sides.
What does the price NOT include?
Travel beyond Milan or Rome, third-party tools, executive search fees, legal and accounting.
How much does it cost to hire a fractional CEO in Italy?
Same range as the rest of Europe: EUR 6,000 to 15,000 per month for a Milan-based operator, with coverage across Italy including Rome.
Can part of the fee be paid in equity?
For early-stage companies, part of the cash can be replaced with equity or advisor shares. Never the full fee.