Can you bring in outside engineering leadership if you already have a CTO?
Short answer
Yes. Many companies with a CTO bring in an experienced engineering leader for a defined job: an independent review, one initiative the CTO does not have time to lead, or extra leadership capacity for a period. It works when the CTO sponsors it, agrees the remit and decision rights, and stays in charge of technology.
Three common ways CTOs use outside leadership
| Need | What the outside leader does |
|---|---|
| An independent view | Reviews delivery, platform, spend and team, and reports to the CTO |
| One initiative that cannot wait | Leads a migration, compliance programme or new team to done |
| More leadership capacity | Runs part of the organisation while the CTO focuses elsewhere |
How to set it up so it helps
- The CTO commissions the work and defines the remit
- Decision rights and the reporting line are written down
- Progress is visible to the CTO every week
- The engagement ends with a handover to the CTO’s team
Related questions
Does bringing in outside leadership mean the CTO is failing?
No. It usually means the CTO has more priorities than hours, or wants an independent view to support a decision.