As Mexico becomes an increasingly strategic player in global business, and companies are facing fast-paced changes that demand more agile and expert leadership. Interim Management is rising as a go-to solution.
To learn more about this evolving trend, we spoke to Alexandra zu Ysenburg, Managing Partner of Ezentia Group in Mexico. With a background bridging Germany and Latin America, Alexandra co-founded Ezentia 15 years ago, building a respected firm in executive search, board services, leadership consulting and Interim Management. This year, Ezentia proudly joined the global Valtus Alliance.
Alexandra, your personal and professional journey is quite international. Tell us a bit about your background and the path that led you to founding Ezentia Group in Mexico
“I was born in Germany and have both German and Mexican roots. I’ve lived in Germany, Spain, and Brazil. My professional journey began in Frankfurt, where I worked in strategic consulting at Arthur Andersen. Later, I was offered the opportunity to join Allianz Mexico, the German insurance group.
How did Ezentia Group come to life?
“It all began 15 years ago. A Spanish headhunter who had business interests in Mexico approached us looking for local partners to expand into the executive search market. My co-founder, Claudia Hardy saw the potential and jumped in.
Since then, we’ve grown into a strong team with four partners. From board and executive search to leadership consulting, we’ve built a trusted business. Our latest focus – Interim Management – is something we’re very excited about, and it has become increasingly relevant to Mexican companies.”
Interim Management is still a fairly new concept in Mexico. What’s driving the shift?
“We’re seeing more market awareness. Previously, companies in Mexico relied heavily on traditional structures and long-term hires. But with globalization and rapidly shifting business models, companies – especially mid-sized firms and multinational subsidiaries – are realizing they need flexible expertise in real time.
Whether it’s digital transformation, post-merger integration, production ramp-ups due to nearshoring, or sudden leadership needs, Interim Managers bring immediate impact and stability without long-term commitment.”
You mentioned mid-sized companies and multinationals as key adopters. What kind of roles or assignments are most in demand?
“CFOs and Chief Transformation Officers are currently in high demand, especially for companies going through restructuring or fast-scale growth. There’s also a rising need in operations and supply chain leadership…
We also see Interim Managers leading digitalization efforts and sustainability initiatives. The common thread is transformation – these are organizations that need quick, experienced leadership during sensitive or high-impact periods.”
How would you compare Mexico’s interim landscape to more mature markets like Europe?
“I’d say Mexico today is where Europe was 15 years ago. The concept is still evolving. Business culture in Mexico tends to be more hierarchical and traditional, and labour market legislation can be more rigid compared to Europe or the U.S. That said, globalization and competition are accelerating change.
Multinationals are pushing adoption because they already understand the value of interim leadership. Over time, I believe more Mexican companies will embrace it – especially as they see the results.”
What makes the Ezentia- and Valtus Alliance-approach unique?
“What sets us apart is how we combine global reach with local insight. At Ezentia, we ensure deep knowledge of the Mexican market and cultural landscape, while our membership in the Valtus Alliance gives us access to a global bench of vetted executives and best practices worldwide.
This dual perspective allows us to match the right interim leader to the right situation – whether it’s a local transformation or a cross-border post-merger integration.”
What’s your key message about Executive Interim Management in Mexico?
“Interim Management has gained visibility because organizations today operate in a faster, more global, and more demanding environment. Interim executives offer something incredibly valuable: immediate leadership, experience under pressure, and transformation capabilities – exactly when companies need them most.
We’re proud to be part of this evolution and to support clients in navigating their most critical transitions.”
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Interim Management may still be emerging in Mexico, but as companies face increasingly complex and fast-paced challenges, the need for flexible, high-impact leadership is undeniable. With players like Ezentia Group at the forefront, the future of agile executive solutions in Latin America looks bright.
Don’t miss in Mexico City
“Where do I begin? Mexico City is enormous – you can visit a hundred times and still discover something new. I always recommend exploring our rich heritage: visit the pyramids just outside the city, learn about the Aztec and colonial history, and of course – eat the tacos! Mexican food is an art form. The colours, flavours, and vibe are truly unforgettable.”