Lappset Group Oy is a Finnish family-owned company that has been promoting physical activity, play, and memorable outdoor experiences for over 50 years. The company designs and manufactures playgrounds and sports environments, as well as themed attractions, for international markets.
When Lappset Group needed a new leader for one of its independent subsidiaries, there was no time for a weeks-long recruitment process. They needed a leader – preferably immediately.
“The situation was clear: the company urgently needed an experienced, sales-oriented person. The subsidiary operates independently, and its sales required a new kind of approach. We were in a situation where every week mattered, and we simply didn’t have the time or resources to launch a traditional recruitment process,” says Arto Lahtela, CEO of Lappset Group Oy.
A Temporary Leader Driving Permanent Change
The company decided to turn to interim leadership – a temporary yet fully committed executive who could take operational responsibility from day one and bring in experience that delivers concrete results.
“Our goal was to find someone who could not only manage day-to-day operations but also strengthen our sales culture and capabilities. We wanted an interim leader who wouldn’t just act as a stopgap but would truly move the business forward.”
Lappset chose Nordic Interim based on references and previous contact. The recruitment process was surprisingly smooth.
“The profile we needed was demanding – an independent, strongly sales-driven leader – but the Nordic Interim team succeeded in finding exactly the right kind of talent. We’re very satisfied with both the process and the outcome.”
Even though the interim leader didn’t have prior experience in Lappset’s specific industry, his strong sales expertise and leadership skills proved decisive. He quickly integrated into the team and took control of the situation with confidence.
Boosting Sales and Building In-House Capabilities
The impact of the interim leader was visible from early on. He brought in valuable sales know-how and successfully developed operations while also recruiting new talent to the organization.
“From the beginning, it felt like she was part of our organization. Communication was direct, active, solution-focused – even daily – exactly what was needed in that situation.”
One realization was that the assignment could have been longer.
“In hindsight, we should have agreed on a longer interim period. We had optimistically planned for a term of just under a year, but as the end approached, we realized it was a bit too short. It was an important learning for us.”
A Valuable Tool for Companies in Transition
According to Arto, interim leadership is a perfect fit for situations of rapid change or growth – especially when operating in a demanding business environment with international clients.
“The interim leader brought continuity and quickly built credibility with our customers. Deals were closed, relationships were built, and we were able to demonstrate the added value we could deliver,” Arto adds.
He also highlights the key difference from traditional consulting services:
“An interim Executive Manager is not an external advisor or consultant – they are managers who take full operational responsibility, drive execution, and deliver results. That’s a major difference.”
A Permanent Part of the Leadership Toolkit
According to Arto, Interim Executive Management is now a permanent part of the company’s strategic toolbox.
“It’s an excellent solution when quick change is needed, or when you require specific expertise or a strong project leader. An Interim brings in a hands-on expert who doesn’t just advise – they act.”