Bronto Skylift Oy Ab is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-reaching aerial work platforms and lifting solutions. The company’s equipment is particularly used in situations where safety and reliability are critical and can operate at exceptional heights of more than 100 meters.
The company’s competitive advantage is built on strong engineering expertise and the ability to combine different chassis and boom solutions. This enables customized, high-performing, and stable solutions for demanding applications all around the world.
Bronto Skylift operates in a highly demanding international environment combining manufacturing, project deliveries, and a growing service business. Its solutions are used in rescue operations, infrastructure projects, and the wind power and energy industries.
About 98% of its revenue generated from exports, and product development and manufacturing are based on strong Finnish expertise in Pori and Tampere, supported by an extensive international service network.
Amidst growth, international operations, and business complexity, the company faced a situation where the CFO role unexpectedly became vacant. The recruitment process for a new CFO was launched but it was clear that it would take time. To ensure business continuity, an experienced professional was needed who could take on the responsibility immediately.
We spoke with Bronto Skylift’s CEO, Lasse Orre, about choosing an interim management solution and the collaboration with Nordic Interim.
The situation: an urgent need for an experienced leader
“The CFO position became vacant rather suddenly, and we needed someone to ensure continuity until we had hired a new CFO. A recruitment process typically takes several months, so we needed a fast solution,” Orre explains.
It was the first time the company had used an interim executive. With timing being critical, the priority was to find someone who could start immediately and take responsibility without a lengthy onboarding process.
“Our criteria were – above all – speed and organizational fit. We were not only looking for a qualified person, but someone who understood the situation and could focus on the right priorities from day one.”
Heikki Saarinen was selected as interim CFO and started in the role just a few weeks after the decision was made.
Immediate impact and strong presence
Heikki’s contribution got off to a strong start from day one. Orre says: “He quickly took control of the organization by meeting the team immediately, holding one-to-one discussions, and creating an open atmosphere. His competence and experience were evident right away, and the team trusted him.”
Heikki worked mainly from Tampere, closely involved in day-to-day operations and was an active member of the executive team.
“We had a daily and very direct communication. Heikki was committed, flexible, and effectively operated as a full member of the leadership team throughout the assignment.,” Orre says.
In addition, Heikki brought with him a small but much-appreciated bonus to the organization – his dog, which practically became the office’s shared pet: “Heikki’s dog brought positive energy to everyday work and was a fun addition during what was otherwise an intense period,” Orre laughs.
Ensuring continuity – and more
The primary objective of the interim assignment was to ensure smooth financial operations and business continuity, but his assignment also added extra value: “Heikki brought new perspectives and improved the ways our finance function operates. He introduced practices and ideas that have remained a permanent part of how we work.”
It was also seen as especially valuable that he did not come in to “rescue a crisis,” but to support the business with the right expertise.
Well managed from start to finish
The interim assignment ultimately lasted around 6–7 months, as the recruitment of the permanent CFO took longer than expected. The handover was also handled smoothly. Orre explains that it was very important that Heikki had overlapping time with the new CFO, ensuring efficient onboarding and knowledge transfer without disruption. During the assignment, Heikki also served as secretary to the Board and was responsible for presenting financial reporting, ensuring normal CFO continuity at board level as well.
The collaboration with Nordic Interim was smooth and professional: “The search process was fast and clear. We were immediately presented with a few highly relevant candidates, and the decision was easy to make. Nordic Interim clearly understood our needs.”
The dialogue also continued throughout the assignment. “They stayed actively in touch with us, and we had regular discussions about how the assignment was progressing. That created confidence throughout the process,” Orre adds.
The greatest value of the experience
Based on Bronto Skylift’s experience, an interim executive is particularly effective when a key role becomes vacant unexpectedly, a recruitment process takes time, an experienced leader is needed quickly, or when continuity must be ensured without risk.
“This was a very positive experience for us. Interim management is a highly credible option, especially in situations where time is a critical factor.”
Orre says that speed and expertise was the greatest value of the collaboration with Nordic Interim: “We quickly gained an experienced person who ensured continuity. That was decisive.”
The experience also left a strong impression for the future. “This certainly won’t be the last time. We can recommend an interim solution – it is an efficient and effective way to solve temporary but critical needs,” Orre concludes.