CIO and Transformation Director Track Record
Hiring a fractional or interim CIO gives your business instant access to strategic, senior-level IT leadership. Whether you're a fast-scaling business or a Private Equity portfolio company, the benefits are tangible.
Fractional and interim CIO track record
Why Hire a Fractional CIO or Interim CIO?
- Immediate board-level expertise to steer IT direction
- Substantial cost savings versus a full-time CIO appointment
- Rapid deployment for turnaround or growth initiatives
- Independent, vendor-neutral guidance
- Hands-on leadership delivering transformation from day one
Richard Keenlyside has delivered technology leadership for dozens of complex, multi-sector transformations. He aligns IT strategy to business goals, ensuring digital investment creates real, measurable value.
Services Offered
IT & Technology Due Diligence
- Pre-deal or post-deal, Richard leads IT due diligence efforts for Private Equity and M&A scenarios. From software architecture reviews to cyber risk assessments, he ensures technology investments are sound and scalable.
Value-Creation Post-Deal
- After acquisition, Richard creates value through systems integration, ERP rationalisation, and cloud migration strategies. He develops roadmaps that support EBITDA growth and operational excellence.
Digital Transformation & IT Strategy
- From defining digital operating models to leading full cloud, ERP, or RPA rollouts, Richard provides strategic leadership and programme oversight across sectors like retail, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services.
IT Governance & Cyber Security
- With expertise in GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC outsourcing, and internal controls, Richard sets up board-ready IT governance structures that support compliance and mitigate operational risk.
Interim Leadership
- As an interim CIO, Richard steps into transitional or crisis situations with immediate effect. He stabilises operations, leads transformation, and builds high-performing IT functions that support long-term growth.
Real-World Impact
Mid-Market Manufacturer (Private Equity-Backed)
- Led cloud migration and IT consolidation across 4 countries. Achieved £2m reduction in technical debt within 8 months and introduced global IT governance.
Retail & eCommerce Brand (PE-Backed)
- Delivered NetSuite rollout across 3 continents, replacing legacy systems and aligning global finance, supply chain, and HR operations. Reduced tech operating costs by £2.5m per year.
Family-Owned Food Producer
- Defined IT strategy, delivered AI-enabled chatbots and ecommerce platform migration. Achieved a 29% reduction in late invoice payments and added £1.4m in turnover via tech-enhanced delivery.
About Richard Keenlyside
Richard Keenlyside is a highly experienced CIO and IT Transformation Director, known for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership. With over three decades in global IT roles across retail, manufacturing, utilities, and Private Equity-backed firms, he blends strategic oversight with hands-on execution.
He has served as CIO for multi-nationals, advised numerous PE firms on M&A technology, and authored papers on AI, cyber security and digital transformation. Richard brings a rare combination of board-level credibility and technical depth.