Interim CEO
Does your company need experienced top-level leadership at short notice? As an interim CEO, I bring stability, strategy and implementation skills exactly when they are most urgently needed.
What is an interim CEO and what tasks do I take on?
An interim CEO assumes top management responsibility for a company during a transitional phase – often in times of change, restructuring or short-term management absences. This involves not only "administering" but, above all, actively shaping the company's future. As an interim CEO, I bring digital expertise and entrepreneurial thinking to bear in order to guide organisations safely and with an eye to the future through challenging situations.
The key tasks of an interim CEO include strategic realignment, stabilisation of operational processes and implementation of short-term measures with long-term impact. In a digital economy, this means critically questioning existing business models, identifying digital potential and driving innovation in a targeted manner – without losing sight of the entrepreneurial reality.
Another key aspect is leadership within the organisation: employees must be involved in change processes and motivated. Clear communication, quick decisions and a commitment to results are the hallmarks of a successful interim CEO role. At the same time, it is important to secure or regain the trust of stakeholders, investors and customers.
As an experienced digital expert, I use my expertise to build bridges between technology, business and people. Whether it's digital transformation, scaling, crisis management or preparing for long-term succession, my goal is not only to stabilise companies, but also to position them sustainably for the future.
I have previously worked for the following organisations:
When is an interim CEO really worthwhile?
Sudden absence of management
Crises or periods of upheaval in start-ups
Transitional phase until a permanent CEO is appointed
Strong founding team, but lacking strategic leadership
Exit, merger or strategic pivot imminent
The role of an interim CEO: responsibility, leadership and transformation
Strategic management
Operational management
Communication & stakeholder management
Change management
Mentoring & team development
Flexibility and expertise in a nutshell
An interim CEO provides exactly the support your company needs during transitional phases or challenging situations. The advantages are obvious:
Quick availability
An interim CEO can start at short notice, ensuring seamless leadership without delays.
Independent external perspective
With a fresh perspective, he recognises potential and weaknesses that are often overlooked internally.
Broad range of experience
Interim CEOs have diverse industry and leadership experience and bring proven solutions from a variety of situations.
High flexibility
You benefit from flexible collaboration without long-term commitments and can tailor the service to your specific needs.
Focus on measurable results
Interim CEOs work in a goal-oriented manner with clearly defined tasks and ensure rapid, tangible success.
Relieving the team
By taking over the leadership role, the interim CEO relieves your existing management team and creates space for them to concentrate on core tasks.
How an interim CEO can support your company
Strategic planning
Develops and manages clear strategies to navigate the company safely through periods of transition.
Operational implementation
Implements the strategy directly, coordinates teams and processes for maximum efficiency.
Crisis management
Identifies risks early on and reacts quickly to keep the company stable.
Leadership & team development
Motivates and empowers the leadership team to succeed together.
Communication & stakeholder management
Maintains dialogue with investors, customers and employees – ensures transparency and trust.
Growth and change management
Supports scaling, restructuring or strategic realignment.
Four reasons why an interim CEO strengthens your company
Flexibility for every situation
Experience that has an immediate effect
Rapid implementation of important projects
Objective and unbiased perspective
Everything you need to know when we work together
In an initial meeting, we clarify goals, challenges, and framework conditions. Based on this, I develop a customized setup - e.g., as an external product owner, UX consultant, technical project manager, or strategic sparring partner for digital product teams. I quickly integrate into existing structures and work closely with internal stakeholders, developers, and management.
Both are possible. I either work embedded in internal product teams (remotely or hybrid) or independently with my network of developers and designers. My goal is always efficiency, transparency, and smooth integration into existing processes.
The duration of the assignment depends heavily on the situation and the objectives. Some mandates last only a few months, for example to fill an acute leadership gap. Other assignments can last 6–12 months or longer if profound changes need to be implemented or a permanent CEO needs to be found. It is important to note that the duration is agreed on an individual basis and can be adjusted flexibly depending on how the company's situation develops.
An interim CEO is not limited to a specific industry. Start-ups in growth phases, medium-sized companies undergoing change and international corporations undergoing restructuring all benefit from this form of leadership. The decisive factor is not so much the industry as the situation: whenever leadership responsibility, change management skills or crisis management are needed at short notice, an interim CEO is a valuable solution.
