Fractional Executive · Austin, Texas
Senior GTM and marketing leadership. Fractional.
I help B2B SaaS, fintech, proptech, and AI-powered companies build sharper positioning, stronger pipeline discipline, and a more effective operating rhythm, without adding a full-time executive.
Fractional CMO & COO
Senior executive leadership, fractional or project-based. I work inside your company, in your Slack, your meetings, your decisions, as a real operator. Engagement style is flexible.
Work with me →GTM Strategy & Positioning
Clarity on who you're for, why you win, and how to build a pipeline that reflects that. Useful for companies preparing for a growth push, a new channel, or a market pivot.
Fractional CMO →Operating Rhythm
Marketing and go-to-market functions that are actually measurable. Building the processes, metrics, and team habits that let companies scale without chaos.
My background →Companies that know where they're going but need help getting there faster.
Seed through Series B companies working through positioning, pipeline, and the transition from founder-led sales.
AI-native companies that need to build a market, not just a feature list, turning technical capability into a story buyers actually understand.
Platforms and tools built for online retailers. I know this world from the inside, having led marketing at ShipStation during a period of significant growth.
Growth-stage companies in regulated or complex categories where marketing has to work harder, building trust, simplifying the message, and generating qualified demand.
Let's talk about your situation.
If you're trying to figure out whether a fractional executive is the right fit, or you already know and want to explore working together, reach out. I'll respond personally.
Common questions about fractional executives
What is a fractional executive?
A fractional executive is a senior leader, such as a CMO or COO, who works with a company on a part-time basis rather than as a full-time hire. They operate inside the company with real authority and accountability, not as an outside advisor. The 'fractional' refers to the time commitment, not the depth of involvement.
What's the difference between a fractional CMO and a fractional COO?
A fractional CMO focuses on marketing, go-to-market strategy, positioning, pipeline, and brand. A fractional COO focuses on operations, cross-functional alignment, operating cadence, and execution systems. Some companies need one, some need both. The right answer depends on where the biggest constraint is.
Who typically hires a fractional executive?
Most commonly, seed through Series B companies that need senior leadership but aren't at the scale where a full-time executive hire makes sense. Also founder-led companies where the CEO is doing too much, and companies that have traction but a marketing or operational function that hasn't caught up.
Is a fractional executive the same as a consultant?
Not exactly. A traditional consultant delivers a defined project or set of recommendations and moves on. A fractional executive can do that too, but can also operate as a genuine member of the leadership team over time, attending meetings, making decisions, and being accountable for outcomes. The engagement style is flexible and agreed on upfront.
How do I get started with Robert Gilbreath?
The fastest path is a direct email to rg@robertgilbreath.com or the contact form on this page. We'll have a short conversation about your situation, figure out whether there's a fit, and go from there. No lengthy intake process.