What Does an Interim CEO Do? Driving Change with Hands-On Leadership
An Interim CEO is a highly experienced executive appointed to lead an organization for a defined period, often during times of change, transition, or uncertainty. Unlike traditional consultants, an Interim CEO not only assesses the situation but also takes full responsibility for implementing strategic changes and driving results from within the organization.
Common Interim CEO Assignments Include:
- Leading a business turnaround or restructuring
- Driving accelerated growth or operational efficiency
- Filling a leadership gap due to sudden departure or absence
- Preparing for mergers, acquisitions, or entry into new markets
With a hands-on leadership approach, Interim CEOs step into the role quickly, provide stability, align the executive team, and execute on strategic objectives – ensuring business continuity and forward momentum.
Key Differences from Management Consulting:
While management consultants offer analysis and recommendations, an Interim CEO leads execution. Interim leaders are embedded in your organization, take accountability, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Let us know what your business challenges are!
Examples of Interim CEO Assignments: Leading Change, Turnarounds, and Growth
An Interim CEO steps in during strategic turning points to provide experienced, hands-on leadership when it’s needed most. With deep expertise in transformation, crisis management, and growth execution, interim CEOs create stability and drive results from day one.
1. Business Transformation and Turnaround
When a company is facing financial losses, operational inefficiencies, or a strategic shift, a turnaround is often necessary. In these cases, an Interim CEO leads the effort to take the company from loss to profitability.
Key components of a turnaround may include:
- Restructuring business operations
- Implementing cost-reduction strategies
- Refocusing on core products and services
- Redesigning workflows and team structures
In larger organizations, this leadership is often more strategic—focusing on enabling middle management and aligning stakeholders. In smaller companies, the Interim CEO typically takes on a hands-on, operational role—driving change directly with the leadership team.
No matter the size of the business, communication, transparency, and strong stakeholder engagement are essential for driving successful change.
2. Driving Growth and Market Expansion
Whether through organic growth, M&A activities, or international expansion, an Interim CEO can quickly implement structured growth strategies. With a clear vision and deep understanding of market dynamics, they:
- Develop go-to-market strategies
- Identify required business capabilities
- Align resources for fast execution
- Build momentum for long-term success
This swift, strategic leadership helps businesses capitalize on opportunities while maintaining operational excellence.
3. Bridging Executive Leadership Gaps
In the case of a sudden CEO departure, an Interim CEO ensures business continuity while the search for a permanent leader is underway. They maintain organizational focus, team morale, and strategic direction—ensuring a seamless transition.
4. Managing Closures or Downsizing with Strategic Sensitivity
In difficult times such as business closures or workforce reductions, an experienced Interim CEO helps the organization navigate these sensitive phases with empathy and professionalism. Responsibilities often include:
- Communicating openly with staff and stakeholders
- Supporting affected employees with transition planning
- Maintaining motivation and operational performance until project completion
Key Benefits of an Interim CEO:
- Immediate Leadership — Ready to step in and lead from day one
- Objective Perspective — Brings fresh insights and unbiased decision-making
- Execution-Focused — Goes beyond analysis to implement lasting change
- Process & Strategy Optimization — Introduces efficient structures and workflows
- Continuity Planning — Lays a strong foundation for a future permanent CEO
Whether you’re managing a leadership gap, preparing for a transformation, or undergoing a turnaround, an Interim CEO delivers fast, effective results—and ensures your business remains on track.
When Should You Hire an Interim CEO?
An Interim CEO is a strategic and cost-effective solution during times of organizational change, disruption, or leadership transition. Whether your business is undergoing a turnaround, implementing new systems, integrating acquisitions, or facing a sudden CEO departure — an Interim CEO provides the leadership and stability needed to navigate uncertainty and deliver results.
Common Scenarios Requiring an Interim CEO:
- Business transformation or turnaround
- Mergers, acquisitions, or divestments
- Integration of new business systems
- Executive leadership gap due to resignation or absence
- Support for the existing CEO on strategic or high-impact projects
Engaging an Interim CEO is not limited to a specific company type. This solution works effectively for:
- Publicly listed companies
- Privately held businesses
- Government and public sector organizations
Business Outcomes You Can Expect:
- Fast implementation of strategic initiatives
- Stabilized leadership during transitions
- Accelerated growth and performance improvements
- Seamless support while recruiting a permanent CEO
With deep operational expertise and a results-driven mindset, Interim CEOs deliver immediate value—ensuring your business remains focused, agile, and competitive during critical periods.
Read more about Interim Management
Why an Interim CEO Can Be Crucial in Times of Business Challenge
An Interim CEO offers a strategic, flexible, and cost-effective solution when your organization is facing significant change or uncertainty. Whether you’re navigating a business turnaround, preparing for a growth phase, or managing an unexpected leadership gap, an Interim CEO provides the focused, hands-on leadership needed to keep your business on track.
Key Reasons to Engage an Interim CEO:
- Leadership continuity during CEO vacancy
- Accelerated business transformation or turnaround
- Support for major strategy or implementation projects
- Immediate leadership capacity for urgent challenges
- Short-term executive expertise without long-term commitment
Unlike permanent hires or consultants, Interim CEOs are results-driven and fully embedded in your organization. They step in quickly, take ownership of the challenge, and stay focused on achieving clearly defined objectives – whether that’s executing strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, or guiding a company through change.
An Interim CEO is not just a placeholder – but a catalyst for momentum, stability, and success.
Quality and Commitment
Since 2004, Nordic Interim has supported organizations in the Nordics and internationally with Executive Interim Management – tailored leadership solutions for complex and critical business challenges in both the private and public sectors.
We combine deep business insight with extensive experience from line management and executive search across a wide range of industries. Throughout the entire assignment – from needs analysis to follow-up – we ensure high quality, rapid implementation, and sustainable results.
Our commitment, expertise, and structured approach make a real difference when it matters most.
FAQ about Interim CEO
What roles can an interim CEO fill?
- Interim COO
- Interim Business Area Manager
- Interim Head of Division
- Interim Unit Manager
- Interim Country Manager
- Interim MD/GM
When do I need to hire an interim CEO?
- In the event of a transformation or turnaround
- If you need support with crisis management
- In case of growth, cutbacks, or closures
- In case of business concerns/lack of leadership
- If there is a need for support in specific projects
- In the event of a vacancy
Why choose to engage an interim CEO?
An interim CEO is a safe and cost-effective choice when your business is facing a growth trip or a turnaround, or when you need to fill a vacancy. An Interim Executive can also step in and support existing management in a specific project or sub-part.
By engaging an Executive Interim, your business in a short time achieves rapid results in the form of increased growth, implemented change, or as support during the time you recruit a permanent CEO.
Are you specialized within a special industry?
No, we cover and have experience in all industries within the commercial business and the public sector.
Do you have Interim Managers across Sweden?
Yes, we are active and have a network in the whole country.
How do I become an Interim Manager?
If you want to become an Interim Manager and be part of our network, upload your CV here. You are welcome to contact any of our employees if you have any questions or concerns.
How do I book a personal meeting with you?
You can either upload your CV here, and inform us that you would like to have a meeting with us, or you can contact one of our consultants directly. We recommend that you contact Lena Haeger, Anette Ahlstedt, or Roger Henrysson in the first instance.
Can I get an assignment even if I’m in a permanent position with a notice period?
No, our assignments require an immediate start within 2-4 weeks. If you are interested in working as an Interim Manager but are a permanent employee, you are warmly welcome to contact us and we will tell you more, but you should have terminated your employment to be able to take assignments through us.
Do I need to have experience from Interim Management to work with you?
No, you do not have to have experience from interim assignments. There is always the first assignment! However, you need to have extensive experience in leading roles in your profession.
Read more about the requirements here.
How am I visible in your database?
All candidates in our database are searchable on several different parameters. When we search for certain roles or qualifications, we automatically get a view of all the candidates and their CV’s. It is important for us to have a personal relationship with the interims we work with, and we have a good overview of our candidates.
I do not live in a large city, can I work as an Interim Manager anyway?
Absolutely, we have assignments across the country.
What background do I need to have to be an Interim Manager?
As an Interim Manager, you should have held leading roles for at least 15 years, preferably at a management team level. You must have a very strong experience of driving change and of leadership in complex environments and situations.