Fractional CMOs in Chicago Making Things Happen in 2025

Chicago Interim Chief Marketing Officers to Know

Chicago has always been a city of momentum—a place where legacy industries evolve and new ideas take root. From fintech and healthcare to consumer goods and professional services, it’s a hub where business meets execution. Behind many of Chicago’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking organizations are marketing leaders working in a new way: as fractional CMOs.

At Digital Reference, we believe professionals should be seen for what they truly do—not just where they’ve worked. That’s why we’re spotlighting the independent marketing executives who are building brands, leading teams, and driving measurable impact throughout the Windy City. This blog highlights Chicago-area fractional CMOs who are making meaningful contributions as solo consultants, advisors, and fractional executives.

Our Methodology

To curate this list, we evaluated professionals using the following criteria:

• Location: Based in Chicago or the surrounding metropolitan area
• Work Model: Providing fractional, part-time, or interim CMO services
• Professional Track Record: Demonstrated experience in marketing leadership and execution
• Public Presence: Active on LinkedIn or through personal/agency websites
• Alignment with Digital Reference: Professionals who exemplify transparency, impact, and authenticity

These marketing leaders are more than consultants—they’re embedded partners, bringing strategic thinking and hands-on execution to the companies they serve.

Meet the Fractional CMOs in Chicago Making Things Happen

1. Andy Friedman

https://www.chicagofractionalcmo.com/about-me/

Founder of Chicago Fractional CMO, Andy Friedman has spent his career helping companies scale through smart marketing leadership. With a deep background in B2B and service-based industries, Andy provides executive-level insights combined with a practical, no-nonsense approach to getting things done.

Why He Stands Out:

• Over two decades of experience in marketing leadership and startup advisory
• Known for his clarity in positioning and go-to-market planning
• Works across industries including finance, tech, and consulting

Andy helps companies define who they are, what they offer, and how to take it to market. He’s especially impactful for founders and leadership teams ready to move from ad hoc efforts to structured marketing.

2. Merove Heifetz

https://www.acquisitiondigital.com/about-us

As the founder of Acquisition Digital, Merove Heifetz blends performance marketing expertise with CMO-level strategy. With a focus on growth-driven organizations, Merove delivers measurable outcomes rooted in paid media, CRO, and full-funnel strategy.

Why She Stands Out:

• Proven track record in scaling e-commerce and DTC businesses
• Focused on building automated, measurable marketing systems
• Specializes in paid acquisition, analytics, and strategic brand optimization

Merove is perfect for brands that want a data-first marketing strategy that still connects deeply with customers. Her hands-on, performance-focused style ensures no marketing dollar goes to waste.

3. Dan Ritzke

http://www.thirdactmarketing.com

Founder of Third Act Marketing, Dan Ritzke brings decades of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and organizational leadership. As a fractional CMO, Dan helps companies navigate the critical third act—their next phase of sustainable growth.

Why He Stands Out:

• Works with founder-led and mid-market organizations undergoing transformation
• Focus on marketing planning, team coaching, and message refinement
• Known for his empathetic leadership and long-view approach

Dan helps clients define what’s next—whether that’s repositioning, team development, or aligning marketing with long-term business goals. His work is ideal for companies entering their next era of maturity and impact.

4. John Manley

https://www.johnwmanley.com/

With a background in creative direction and brand strategy, John Manley offers fractional CMO services that center storytelling, customer experience, and visual cohesion. His work blends creative innovation with strategic planning for companies ready to stand out.

Why He Stands Out:

• Expertise in creative branding, messaging architecture, and integrated marketing
• Experience with startups, nonprofits, and purpose-driven companies
• Deep belief in marketing as a tool for empathy and transformation

John brings heart, insight, and a creative lens to the CMO role—making him a great partner for brands that want to connect meaningfully and scale sustainably.

Why Chicago is a Thriving Hub for Fractional Marketing Leadership

Chicago has always had a reputation for rolling up its sleeves and getting to work. It’s home to enterprise powerhouses and vibrant startups, to legacy institutions and fast-growing digital-first brands. This environment demands marketing leadership that’s adaptable, strategic, and efficient.

Fractional CMOs offer Chicago-based companies:

• C-level insight without full-time overhead
• Strategic clarity to align teams and vision
• Executional experience to translate plans into results

Whether you’re running a high-growth startup, a family business, or a mission-based organization, fractional CMOs are giving Chicago companies a smarter way to lead.

The Digital Reference Perspective

At Digital Reference, we’re building tools that support professionals who work across roles, companies, and industries. We know that in a fractional world, credibility is everything. That’s why we help professionals:

• Document verified achievements
• Collect meaningful testimonials from clients and collaborators
• Build structured portfolios that showcase authentic, real-world impact

Fractional leaders like Andy, Merove, Dan, and John are shaping the future of marketing. We're here to make sure their stories—and results—get the recognition they deserve.

Final Thoughts

Fractional CMOs are no longer a workaround—they’re the way forward. The Chicago-based leaders featured in this blog are proof that you don’t need a full-time hire to get full-time results. Whether you need to build a team, launch a campaign, refine your messaging, or align marketing with revenue, these professionals are ready to lead.

And when you're ready to tell your story—or hire the right person to help you tell it better—start with Digital Reference.

– The Digital Reference Team

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