Insights
What does an interim CEO do?
An interim CEO takes full command of a company for a fixed period: stabilising the business, owning the P&L, leading the team, and delivering a clear outcome before handing over.
In short
An interim CEO steps into the chief executive seat full-time for a fixed period, usually 6 to 12 months. They take command immediately, own the P&L, lead the leadership team, fix what is broken, and deliver a defined outcome (a turnaround, a transition, or steady leadership during a gap) before handing over cleanly to a permanent CEO.
The direct answer
An interim CEO is a seasoned operator who runs your company when the top seat is empty, on fire, or in transition. Unlike a consultant, they do not advise from the side: they hold the authority, carry the number, and are accountable for the result from day one until handover.
What an interim CEO actually does
- Takes full P&L ownership and decision authority from week one
- Stabilises cash, operations and the leadership team fast
- Sets a 90-day plan with a small number of measurable outcomes
- Makes the hard calls on people, costs and priorities
- Rebuilds confidence with the board, lenders, staff and customers
- Prepares and hands over to a permanent CEO with the business stronger
The first 90 days
Diagnose: cash, team, customers, the real problem. Take command and stop the bleeding.
Set the plan: a few measurable outcomes, the right people in the right seats, costs under control.
Execute and prove momentum: deliver early wins, rebuild trust, line up the handover.
When you need one
You need an interim CEO when a CEO leaves suddenly, when a crisis demands a full-time operator in command, when private equity needs a credible leader through a deal, or when a founder needs to step back while the business is steadied. The common thread: the seat needs to be filled by someone senior, now, full-time.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an interim CEO and a permanent CEO?
Same authority and accountability, different time horizon. An interim CEO is hired for a fixed period to deliver a specific outcome, then hands over. There is no recruitment fee, equity, notice period or severance.
How quickly can an interim CEO start?
Usually within days. That speed is the point: an interim is deployed precisely when a company cannot wait three to six months for a permanent search.
Does an interim CEO just advise, or actually run the company?
They run it. An interim CEO holds full decision authority and owns the P&L, unlike a consultant who advises while your team executes.
How much does an interim CEO cost?
Typically EUR 1,200 to 2,500 per day, or EUR 18,000 to 45,000 per month full-time, with no recruitment fee or severance.
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