What Is Interim Management and How Does Working With an Interim Manager Benefit a Company?

What Is Interim Management? 

Interim management is the temporary assignment of an experienced executive into a senior leadership role to address a specific business need. 

Unlike consultants, interim managers take full operational responsibility. They lead teams, make decisions, and are accountable for results from day one. 

Interim mandates typically last between three and twelve months and are used when companies need immediate leadership, specialist expertise, or objective execution during critical phases. 

Image: Yan Krukau

When Do Companies Use Interim Managers? 

Interim management is most effective when speed, experience, and neutrality matter. 

Companies typically engage interim managers in situations such as: 

• Sudden leadership vacancies (CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO, CIO) 

• Business transformations or restructurings 

• Crisis situations 

• M&A integrations, carve-outs, or spin-offs 

• Digital, IT, or ERP transformation projects 

• International expansion or market entry 

  
  

In these moments, waiting months for a permanent hire can increase risk. Interim managers provide continuity and control when it matters most. 

How Does an Interim Manager Differ From a Consultant? 

The difference lies in accountability and integration. 

Consultants: 

• Advise from the outside 

• Deliver recommendations 

• Leave execution to internal teams 

Interim managers: 

• Join the leadership team 

• Lead people and processes 

• Own delivery against defined KPIs 

An interim executive does not observe the business. They run it for the duration of the mandate. 

Key Benefits of Working With an Interim Manager 

1. Speed Without Compromising Quality 

Interim managers can be deployed within days, not months. They bring proven experience and require minimal onboarding. 

2. Immediate Operational Impact 

Because they are execution-focused, interim leaders stabilize operations quickly and move directly into delivery mode. 

This becomes particularly visible in complex mandates, as shown in our interim management case studies. 

3. Objective, Independent Leadership 

Interim managers are not influenced by internal politics or legacy structures. Their neutrality enables clear, fact-based decision-making in sensitive situations. 

4. Specialist Expertise on Demand 

Companies gain access to senior executives with deep industry or functional expertise without long-term employment commitments. 

5. Flexibility and Cost Transparency 

Interim mandates are clearly scoped, time-bound, and results-driven. This reduces long-term risk while maintaining governance and accountability. 

What Results Can Companies Expect? 

A successful interim mandate typically delivers: 

• Stabilized leadership and teams 

• Clear priorities and execution plans 

• Operational or financial improvements 

• Knowledge transfer to internal successors 

• Reduced risk during periods of change 

  
  

These outcomes are reflected across multiple case studies, where interim executives delivered measurable impact within defined timeframes. 

The goal is not temporary cover. It is sustainable impact. 

Why Interim Management Has Become a Strategic Tool 

In an increasingly volatile business environment, organizations must adapt quickly without compromising performance. 

Interim management allows boards and executive teams to respond decisively, making it a strategic accelerator during transformation, growth, or disruption — not a last-resort solution. 

Interim Management in Practice 

At Swiss Interim Management, interim executives are selected based on: 

• Proven track records in comparable mandates 

• Industry and functional expertise 

• Leadership style and cultural fit 
  

Each assignment is actively supported throughout its duration to ensure alignment, execution, and measurable results. 

Is Interim Management Right for Your Company? 

If your organization is facing change, uncertainty, or a critical leadership gap, interim management offers a fast, effective, and results-driven solution. 

The right interim executive brings clarity, stability, and momentum when it matters most.