Leadership
CEO, interim and fractional leadership for growth, transition, turnaround, succession or exit preparation.
STEVE PUGH · CEO · CONSULTANT
Support for businesses ready to scale, transform or exit.
I am currently leading Next 11 Ventures, an AI first software development company, and supporting a €250m+ revenue portfolio across software, energy, engineering and high-growth businesses for a global investor. I also work as a fractional CEO and fractional COO for UK businesses.
Newcastle, UK
• LEADERSHIP• OPERATIONS• M&A AND INTEGRATIONS• DUE DILIGENCE• AI IMPLEMENTATION• GROWTH STRATEGY• PROJECT EXECUTION• BOARD ADVISORY• MARKETING• BUSINESS PLANNING• FUNDRAISING
POSITIONING
When strategy becomes execution.
I work with investors, founders, boards and teams where strategy needs to become execution around a specific goal.
My background combines C-suite operating experience, P&L level accountability, engineering and entrepreneurial execution.
Click the video (right) to learn more about one of my latest projects, Next 11 Ventures, next11.vc.
WHAT SERVICES I OFFER
Hire me for ...
Operations
Portfolio operations, reporting cadence, accountability, KPI discipline and commercial execution for investors and shareholders.
M&A and Integrations
Identifying growth, preparing for acquisition or exit, and integrating businesses post-transaction.
Due Diligence
Commercial, operational and financial due diligence for investors, acquirers and leadership teams.
AI Implementation
Practical AI adoption, automation and digital transformation to drive efficiency and scalable growth.
Growth Strategy
Strategic planning, market expansion, revenue acceleration and route-to-market development.
Project Execution
Delivering complex programmes with clear governance, stakeholder alignment and measurable outcomes.
Board Advisory
Independent advice for boards preparing for growth, acquisition, exit or governance improvement.
Marketing
Brand positioning, go-to-market strategy, commercial messaging and investor communications.
Business Planning
Business cases, financial modelling, forecasting and comprehensive planning for sustainable growth.
Fundraising
Capital raising, investor readiness, pitch preparation and funding strategy for ventures at every stage.
Photography and Video
Professional photography and video production for your business or organisation. 20 years experience.
SELECTED IMPACT
Positive measurable impact
€250m+
Portfolio revenue supported.
3000+
Employees across portfolio.
144
Countries reached by Roadmap MBA.
200%+
Net profit growth at Bignall Group.
£300m
Contracts supported by Tees Valley Catalyst Fund.
-20%
Overhead reduction on restructure with no loss in revenue or performance
+30%
Efficiency through the implementation of AI
22,000
Followers on LinkedIn
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Recommendations
An engineer with a flair for management, innovation and entrepreneurship, Steve left a mark.
Steve shows real interest and takes time to get to know you and your business to be able to offer strategic insights.
Forward thinking, innovative, professional and approachable.
DEDICATED ENGAGEMENTS
FRACTIONAL CEO
Chief executive leadership, part-time
Scale, transform or exit — with an experienced CEO in the boardroom without the full-time cost.
Learn moreFRACTIONAL COO
Operations leadership that ships
Install the rhythm, systems and accountability that turn strategy into repeatable execution.
Learn moreVENTURE BUILDER
AI-first software ventures
Next 11 Ventures builds, backs and scales new software companies alongside founders and investors.
Learn moreFAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is a fractional executive?
- A fractional executive is a senior operator — CEO, COO or similar — who works with a business on a part-time basis, typically one to three days per week, with real accountability for outcomes rather than advisory input only. It gives growing businesses access to executive judgement without the cost of a full-time hire.
- Where are you based and who do you work with?
- I'm based in Newcastle upon Tyne and work with founders, investors, boards and portfolio companies across the North East, London and the wider UK, with regular engagements in Europe. Most engagements blend on-site leadership days with remote operating rhythm.
- How are engagements structured?
- Rolling monthly retainer, one to three days per week, with a clear mandate and success measures agreed with shareholders or the board at the start. Engagements are designed to be finite: the goal is to leave the business stronger and less dependent on me, not more.
- What sectors and situations do you focus on?
- Software and SaaS, energy and offshore wind, engineering and manufacturing, professional services and investor-backed portfolios. Situations include growth acceleration, operational turnaround, M&A integration, AI adoption and preparing a business for sale.
- How do we get in touch?
- Email hello@stevepugh.co.uk or message me on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube or WhatsApp (@SteveDanielPugh). Initial conversations are confidential and no-obligation.
CONTACT
Get in touch.
For CEO, interim leadership, board advisory, consulting or venture-building opportunities — drop me a line.
- BASED
- Newcastle, UK
- Steve Pugh
- @stevedanielpugh
- YOUTUBE
- @SteveDanielPugh
- SteveDanielPugh
Enquiries treated in strict confidence.
