From Farm to Boardroom: The Story Behind Swiss Interim Management

When speaking with Daniel Rolla, Founder and CEO of Swiss Interim Management (SIM), one thing stands out: leadership, for him, is rooted in real life. Before launching one of Switzerland’s most respected interim executive firms, Daniel was managing something quite different — farms, cheese production, and international food distribution for retailers like Harrods in London and Galeries Lafayette in Paris. 

“I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” Daniel says. “Even when working inside a company, I treated it like my own. That’s just how I’m wired.” 

His journey — from agricultural fields to C-level boardrooms — is a story of vision, resilience, and people-first leadership. 

Daniel Rolla Co-CEO Swiss Interim Management

A Career Built on Transitions 

After completing his studies in Switzerland, Daniel spent over a decade in France managing three farms and founding a cheese production company with international clients. He then joined agri-software scale-up Isagri, where he led business development across Europe. 

In 2000, he returned to Switzerland to join Swiss Select, where he spent 10 years in executive roles before a pivotal decision changed his path. “I wanted to be closer to the clients. More entrepreneurial. So in 2009, I built my own company — Swiss Interim Management.” 

SIM was born — grounded in agility, integrity, and a deep commitment to matching companies with the right interim leaders. 

Balancing Two Worlds 

The first years of SIM were as rewarding as they were intense. “The biggest challenge in the early years,” Daniel reflects, “was balancing two demanding roles: working as an interim manager — often in high-pressure positions like CEO or Head of HR — while also building and developing Swiss Interim Management as a firm.” 

It required long hours, prioritisation, and constant switching. “What helped me was staying true to my values: being proactive, acting with speed, and surrounding myself with strong sparring partners. I also learned to delegate, trust my team, and gradually shift my focus from operational mandates to strategic development — a transition I completed by 2015.” 

The Chemistry of Interim Management 

“What excites me most is the unique combination of challenge and chemistry. On one side, you have clients facing complex, often urgent situations. On the other, you have passionate interim managers who thrive on solving those kinds of problems.” 

At the heart of it is the match. “When the match is right — when a client’s challenge aligns with a manager’s experience and energy — momentum builds quickly. You see decisions get made, and real change happens. That dynamic, fast-paced environment is what keeps me inspired every day.” 

Beyond Business 

Though he now leads a European-wide network of executives, Daniel’s feet remain firmly on the ground. “I’m deeply passionate about agriculture — not just as an industry, but as a force for sustainability, community, and societal impact. It’s where my journey began, and it continues to inspire me.” 

He still manages two farms — one in Switzerland and one in France — and supports Senegalite.ch, a non-profit helping 26 farmers and their families in Senegal. “It’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and giving back in ways that matter.” 

Leading with Trust 

Today, Swiss Interim Management is active across sectors — from pharma and mechanical engineering to agriculture and food production. “We don’t aim to be the biggest,” Daniel says. “We aim to be the most trusted.” 

That trust is built on clear communication, cultural fit, and long-term relationships. “For us, it’s always personal. We listen deeply. We match carefully. We stay close to the business. That’s how we create impact that lasts.” 

Final Thoughts 

Daniel Rolla’s story isn’t just a founder’s journey — it’s a model for authentic leadership. Rooted in entrepreneurship, guided by values, and driven by purpose, he brings clarity and human connection to every conversation — whether with a client, a farmer, or a future interim executive.