Insights
How much does an interim CEO cost?
An interim CEO usually costs EUR 1,200 to 2,500 per day, or roughly EUR 18,000 to 45,000 per month full-time, for a 6 to 12 month engagement.
In short
An interim CEO in Italy and Europe typically costs EUR 1,200 to 2,500 per day, or EUR 18,000 to 45,000 per month for a full-time engagement, usually running 6 to 12 months. The rate depends on company size, the severity of the situation, and how much of the week the CEO is in the seat. There are no recruitment fees, no equity, no notice period and no severance.
The direct answer
An interim CEO is priced by the day or by the month, not by an annual salary. In Italy and Europe the day rate sits between EUR 1,200 and EUR 2,500 for a senior operator. Full-time that works out to roughly EUR 18,000 to EUR 45,000 per month. Most mandates run 6 to 12 months, so the total cost of a serious interim CEO engagement lands between EUR 120,000 and EUR 400,000.
What does an interim CEO cost per day and per month?
| Engagement | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate | EUR 1,200 to 2,500 | Senior operator, varies by company size and risk |
| Full-time month | EUR 18,000 to 45,000 | Five days a week, hands on the wheel |
| Part-time month | EUR 8,000 to 20,000 | Two to three days a week |
| Full 6 to 12 month mandate | EUR 120,000 to 400,000 | Total cost of a typical recovery or transition |
Figures are operator ranges for Italy and Europe in 2026, not a quote. The right number depends on the brief.
What drives the price up or down?
Three things move the rate. The size and complexity of the business: a EUR 5M company costs less to run than a EUR 100M group. The severity of the situation: a calm leadership gap is cheaper than a cash crisis with lenders at the door. And the time commitment: a full-time turnaround costs more than two days a week steadying a founder transition.
- Company size and revenue at stake
- Severity: stable gap vs active crisis
- Time in the seat: full-time vs part-time
- Duration of the mandate
- Whether results-based upside is built in
Is an interim CEO cheaper than a permanent hire?
Often, on a total-cost basis, yes. A permanent CEO carries recruitment fees of 25 to 30 percent of salary, a sign-on package, equity, and months of search before anyone starts. An interim CEO starts in days, carries none of those costs, and leaves cleanly when the job is done. You pay more per day and far less in total risk.
How we price an interim CEO mandate
We deploy senior operator firepower fast and prefer to tie a meaningful part of the fee to results. The base covers being in the seat. The upside is earned on the outcome: cash stabilised, EBITA recovered, the business handed to a permanent CEO in better shape than we found it. No excuses, just results.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an interim CEO cost per day?
In Italy and Europe a senior interim CEO typically costs EUR 1,200 to 2,500 per day, depending on company size and the severity of the situation.
What does an interim CEO cost per month?
Full-time, expect roughly EUR 18,000 to 45,000 per month. Part-time engagements of two to three days a week run EUR 8,000 to 20,000 per month.
Are there recruitment or severance fees?
No. An interim CEO is engaged directly with no recruitment fee, no equity, no notice period and no severance, which is a large part of the cost advantage.
How long does an interim CEO engagement last?
Most run 6 to 12 months: long enough to stabilise and execute, short enough to stay time-boxed and accountable.
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