Executive Interim

Interim Leaders for Moments That Matter

Permanent searches take time. Leadership gaps do not wait for them.

Whether you are managing a CEO transition, covering a CFO vacancy during a refinancing, leading a transformation programme that needs immediate expert direction or managing a crisis that cannot wait for a permanent appointment, Redgrave’s executive interim search practice provides proven senior executives who are in role and delivering from day one.

Our interim leaders have held C-suite and senior leadership positions in substantive businesses. They do not need settling-in time. They need a brief, and they need to start.

Why organisations choose Redgrave for executive interim search

Interim executives at the most senior level are a distinct market. The best interim CEOs, interim CFOs and interim Operations Directors are not sitting on a database waiting to be placed. They have a reputation, they are selective about the assignments they take and they rely on relationships, not agencies, to find the right opportunities.

Here is what shapes how we work:

1. A warm interim network, not a cold database

We have spent years building relationships with senior interim executives who have operated at C-suite and board level in private equity (PE)-backed businesses, listed companies and complex private organisations. When you come to us with an interim requirement, we are not starting from scratch. We are making calls to people we already know.

2. Pace without compromise on quality

Interim appointments often need to move quickly. Our active network allows us to identify and engage relevant executives at pace, without starting from scratch. Every candidate is assessed against the brief before we present them, combining speed with the rigour expected of a senior leadership appointment.

3. PE and transformation experience built in

Our interim network includes C-level and senior executives with experience in PE-backed businesses and transformation environments. They understand the pace, accountability and expectations that come with investor ownership, including working with sponsors, Boards and management teams through periods of change. We match that experience to the specific situation, whether the requirement is driven by a leadership gap, transformation, transaction or another immediate business priority.

4. Permanent and interim, working together

Leadership requirements do not always wait for a permanent search. You may need an interim CFO now while looking for the right long-term appointment, or an experienced executive to provide stability through a period of change. Redgrave provides both permanent executive search and Executive Interim, allowing the two to work together when the situation calls for it. The immediate need can be addressed without losing sight of the longer-term leadership requirement.

Executive Interim for different business situations

The requirement for an interim executive can look very different depending on the situation. Sometimes the priority is immediate leadership cover; elsewhere it is specialist expertise to deliver a transformation, transaction or period of change. We match the executive to what the business needs them to deliver.

PE-backed businesses frequently use interim executives when a leadership gap or specific priority cannot wait for a permanent appointment. The requirement might arise during the first 100 days, a transformation, carve-out, integration or preparation for exit. We work with sponsors, Operating Partners and portfolio management teams to appoint senior interim leaders with relevant experience of PE ownership. We understand the expectations placed on executives in an investor-backed environment and focus on people who can quickly understand the investment priorities, work effectively with stakeholders and deliver against a defined brief.

Transformation programmes often require dedicated interim leadership. An executive who can lead the change programme without the distraction of running the business simultaneously, or an operational specialist who can drive a specific workstream while the permanent leadership team focuses elsewhere. Our interim transformation executives have managed complex change programmes in substantive organisations and do not need the context of transformation explained to them.

When a senior executive departs unexpectedly, when a business faces a financial or operational crisis, or when a specific event, a transaction, a restructuring, or a regulatory intervention requires immediate senior expertise, our Interim Executive practice provides a fast, credible solution. We have placed interim executives in urgent situations and understand how to move at genuine pace without cutting corners on assessment.

Listed companies and privately owned businesses use interim executives to maintain leadership continuity, manage periods of change or bring in specialist expertise for a defined period.

This might involve covering an unexpected departure, supporting CEO succession, managing an extended absence or leading a specific programme. We appoint experienced interim executives who understand the demands of the organisation and can take responsibility from the outset.

Our Clients

We work with organisations across the UK, Europe and the United States to appoint experienced interim executives. Our clients range from listed and PE-backed businesses to privately owned companies, each with different leadership requirements. Whether providing immediate cover for a senior leadership vacancy, supporting a transformation or transaction, or bringing in specialist expertise for a defined period, we focus on finding executives with the relevant experience, judgement and ability to make an impact from the outset.

Frequently asked questions about executive interim search

1. What is executive interim?

Executive interim is the process of identifying and placing a senior executive on a temporary basis, typically to cover a leadership gap, lead a specific programme of work, provide bridge leadership during a transition or bring in specialist expertise for a defined period.

2. What is the difference between executive interim and permanent executive search?

Permanent executive search focuses on appointing a leader to take long-term responsibility for a business or function. The search considers the experience, leadership style and capabilities needed to deliver the organisation’s strategy over time.

Executive Interim provides experienced leadership for a defined period, often to fill an immediate gap, manage a transition or deliver a specific project. Interim executives are typically appointed for their ability to step into an unfamiliar organisation, take responsibility quickly and deliver against agreed objectives.

The difference is the nature and duration of the requirement. Both involve identifying and assessing senior leaders, but interim appointments place greater emphasis on immediate availability, relevant experience and the ability to deliver from the outset.

3. What is interim leadership for private equity?

Interim leadership for PE refers to the placement of senior interim executives into PE-backed businesses that need experienced leadership quickly. This might be to cover a sudden departure, bridge a permanent search, lead a specific transformation programme or provide additional capacity at a critical point in the deal lifecycle. PE-backed businesses require interim executives who understand the demands of sponsor ownership, the pace of decision-making and the value creation context.

4. What types of assignments do interim executives typically take?

Senior interim executives typically take assignments in four main categories: bridge appointments (covering a leadership gap while a permanent search is underway), transformation leadership (running a specific change programme or restructuring), crisis management (providing senior leadership during a period of significant operational or financial challenge), and specialist expertise (bringing in a functional expert for a defined period where the organisation lacks the internal capability).

Flexible talent solutions for immediate impact

Our Executive Interim Lead

Martin Smith

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Executive Interim Search | Interim Leaders

Redgrave places proven interim executives who deliver from day one. Expert interim search for PE-backed businesses, transformation and urgent leadership needs.

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