Frameda Oy is a Finnish family business in the import and distribution of hair salon products since 2015. The company is renowned for its high-quality brands, including Kevin Murphy, Living Proof, K18Hair – Hair Science, and Davines. The company also manufactures its own haircare products, among others Pastell and Cocobella. With a workforce of approximately 35 employees, the growing company has successfully contributed to the industry’s development. In 2024, the entrepreneurs’ of Frameda made a strategic decision to engage an Executive Interim CEO to support growth and prepare the company for the future.
A Focus on Growth and Strategy
Frameda’s growth had been impressive, but moving to the next level required new resources and perspectives. The owners, who were heavily involved in the operational management, needed time to focus on long-term business vision and development. At the same time, there was a need to improve organizational processes and staff practices.
“We decided to engage an Executive Interim Manager with the mindset that there was nothing to lose. Bringing an external leader into a family business is not always an obvious choice, but for us, it was one of the best decisions we made last year,” says Johanna Kananen, Frameda Oy’s CEO and co-owner.
Three Main Objectives for the Assignment
The Executive Interim CEO’s role was designed around three clear objectives:
- Accelerating growth and opening up new channels: Securing a budgeted growth rate exceeding 25% by enhancing sales performance and developing new commercial channels.
- Developing processes and practices: Organizational processes and roles were clarified, and employees were trained to strengthen customer-centricity.
- Managing operational tasks: The Interim CEO took charge of daily operations and HR tasks, freeing up time for the owners to focus on strategic development.
An External Person’s Perspective Brought Clarity and Solutions
The Executive Interim CEO’s external and objective viewpoint was a significant advantage for Frameda, helping to streamline the company processes and improve client management. This transformation was not merely operational but part of a broader strategic shift towards customer-centricity. “The Interim CEO used tools and practices that we might have not considered ourselves. The Interim Manager didn’t just manage the operations but introduced new ideas and constructive coaching.” Johanna explains.
Fostering Initiative and Cultural Development
During the interim CEO’s assignment, Frameda’s workforce adopted a more proactive culture, directly improving the employees’ accountability and motivation. By clarifying roles and adopting a coaching leadership style, the organization established a foundation for sustainable growth. “The employee initiative increased significantly, which was a very welcome and positive change. Thanks to the interim, we achieved the cultural transformation that we will build upon in the long term,” saysJohanna.
Why Choose an Executive Interim Leader for a Family Business?
Frameda’s story demonstrates the value of Interim leadership as a strategic investment in family businesses. When recruiting a leader, experience in larger organizations and an understanding of family business dynamics were prioritized. The Interim Manager’s ability to align with the company’s values and build trust with the owners was crucial to the assignment’s success. “We wanted a leader who would not only support the business but also us entrepreneurs. They helped us identify our strengths and areas for improvement.” Johanna says.
Growth Support and Calculated Risk Paid Off
The owners say that bringing an external leader into a family business is not without risk. “We knew there was always some risk, but we decided to try. Our growth would certainly have hurt more without the interim CEO’s support,” says Johanna.
Engaging the Interim CEO did not only support Frameda’s growth path, but also strengthened the company’s foundational structures. Process improvements, employee engagement, and freeing up the owners’ time provided a clear direction for the future.
A Legacy That Endures
The Interim CEO left a lasting mark on Frameda’s culture, processes, and practices, and the contributions continue to influence the organization’s daily operations. “The Executive Interim Manager reinforced our belief that we had already been doing many things right. He also helped us build a solid foundation for future growth.” Johanna concludes.
Frameda’s story is a good example of how Executive Interim Management can serve as a catalyst for growth, equipping family businesses with the tools and insights needed to navigate growth and the challenges associated with it.
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