Discover the story of Alan Giles, founder of Fractional Execs UK — a network of over 40 C-suite executives redefining the future of flexible leadership in the United Kingdom.
In 2022, after more than three decades in the corporate world, Alan Giles made a decision that completely transformed his career. He left behind the comfort and stability of a traditional path to venture into relatively uncharted territory: fractional leadership.
Today, he is the founder and driving force behind Fractional Execs UK, a network of over 40 C-suite executives who work part-time with companies going through moments of transition or crisis.
“I started from my own experience,” Alan says. “I discovered firsthand that I could deliver far more value by working with several organizations in parallel — precisely when they needed me most.”
From a Classic Career to an Experiment
Alan’s career followed a typically British path: a steady climb through middle and top management roles in financial services and retail corporations. For years, he worked in organizations where structure, processes, and hierarchy were part of daily life.
“I was lucky to work with great leaders, to be involved in major projects, and to learn what traditional leadership means,” he says.
But at the same time, he began to feel that the classic model of full-time executive employment no longer reflected reality.
“Companies had become more agile, the environment more volatile, and their needs more fragmented. Bringing in a full-time CEO or COO for five years was no longer realistic for many organizations.”
Discovering the Fractional Model
When he left his corporate career, Alan tested the idea of working as a fractional executive for a few companies. He took on part-time COO and CMO roles for London-based startups and tech firms.
“I immediately saw the advantages. For me, it was a breath of fresh air — I could apply my expertise in different contexts, avoid routine, and enjoy flexibility. For companies, it meant access to top-level expertise at a fraction of the cost, and exactly when they needed it.”
The result? In no time, Alan became an ambassador for a phenomenon that was beginning to take shape in the UK.
The Birth of Fractional Execs UK
In 2022, he founded Fractional Execs UK, a network built on the same principle: “top leaders, available part-time.” Today, the network includes over 40 executives across all disciplines — CFOs, COOs, CMOs, CIOs, CHROs.
“We quickly realized I wasn’t the only one who felt the need for this model. We discovered an entire community of senior professionals who wanted to break free from the traditional mold and work in a fractional way.”
The network functions like a premium marketplace: companies present their needs, and Alan and his team quickly match them with the right profile.
Alan’s Philosophy
For Alan, the key lies in short- and medium-term impact.
“You’re not there to sit in an office or tick a box. You’re there to deliver results. If a Fractional CMO can’t show growth in the marketing pipeline within three months, something’s wrong. If a Fractional CFO doesn’t clarify the cash flow in a month, then the company hasn’t gained anything.”
This results-driven philosophy makes the network attractive not only to startups and scale-ups but also to traditional companies facing specific crises.
Examples of Impact
A London-based fintech startup urgently needed a solid financial structure before raising a funding round. Fractional Execs provided them with a fractional CFO experienced in venture capital.
“In three months, the company was ready for due diligence and successfully raised the funding.”
An e-commerce company struggling with sales brought in a fractional CMO.
“We stepped in, built a content strategy, redefined the funnel, and launched LinkedIn campaigns. In six months, online revenue increased by 25%.”
These case studies, shared by Alan in interviews, clearly demonstrate how the fractional model delivers rapid, tangible, and measurable impact.
A Market in Full Expansion
The numbers speak for themselves: in the UK, LinkedIn shows an explosion in profiles mentioning “fractional executive” — from 2,000 in 2022 to over 110,000 in 2024 (The Times).
“It’s clear proof that this isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a structural shift in how companies think about leadership,” Alan says.
With its tech startup ecosystem and traditional companies in transition, the UK has become the ideal environment for this model.
The Challenges of a Pioneer
However, Alan admits the journey isn’t easy.
“Many companies still don’t understand the model. They ask: how can someone work for us just two days a week and make a difference? Or: how do you maintain loyalty and engagement?”
His answer is simple: through results.
“If you can show that in two days a week you’ve solved a problem they’ve been putting off for six months, loyalty comes naturally.”
The Future of Executive Work
Alan is convinced the future will be hybrid.
“I don’t think every role will become fractional. But I do believe a significant part of leadership will. We’ll see companies with fractional boards, with flexible C-suite teams tailored to each stage of growth.”
He also sees huge potential in cross-border collaboration.
“Why not have a fractional CFO from London, a fractional CMO from Berlin, and a fractional CTO from Barcelona? In the remote era, it’s perfectly possible.”
A Leader for a Flexible World
Looking back, Alan doesn’t regret his decision in 2022 for a second.
“I’ve discovered the freedom to choose my projects, the joy of working with diverse companies, and the satisfaction of seeing rapid results.”
Today, through Fractional Execs UK, he has not only built a powerful network of leaders but also helped legitimize a working model that’s changing the rules of the game.
“Fractional isn’t about part-time. It’s about full-time impact — delivered in a flexible format. It’s about being there exactly when the company needs you. And I believe that’s the future of leadership.”
