Choosing a service

Interim management or executive search – what is right for you?

They do not solve the same problem. Interim management provides an experienced leader quickly for a defined period. Executive search finds the right person for a permanent role. Often the smartest approach is to use both – in the right order.

Discuss your needs with us Read about interim management →
Two advisers at Agile Gruppen
Interim management solves the immediate need. Search solves the long-term need. Often you need both.
Ⅱ

What is the difference?

Interim management

Solves the need “now”

  • Time frame: a defined period
  • Candidates: presented within 48 hours
  • Goal: operations, momentum, control
  • Best for: urgent needs, transformation
Executive Search

Solves the need “for the long term”

  • Time frame: permanent hire
  • In place: weeks to months
  • Goal: the right match for the long term
  • Best for: a strategic key role

When is each approach the right choice?

When interim management is the right choice
  • the role is vacant now
  • operations cannot wait
  • you are facing transformation or a crisis
  • you want to reduce risk during the transition
When executive search is the right choice
  • you need a permanent hire
  • the role is strategically important
  • a wrong hire would be costly
  • you have time for a thorough process

Often the answer is both – in the right order

The smartest approach

Interim management secures operations now

An experienced leader takes responsibility immediately and maintains momentum in operations and decisions.

Search finds the right person

A thorough, confidential process for the lasting solution – without time pressure.

Ⅴ

The pitfalls we see most often

Going straight to a permanent hire under time pressure

The result is often a rushed hire – and a high risk of a poor match.

Leaving the role vacant for too long

While the search is underway, the organisation loses momentum and decision-making capacity.

Using interim management as a permanent solution

Interim management works best when the purpose and period are clearly defined.

Three questions that clarify the choice

Is the role vacant now, or do you have time?

Is the need temporary or long term?

What is the cost of waiting for the right person?

Ⅶ

Frequently asked questions

Can we start with interim management and move on to search?

Yes – it is one of the most common and effective approaches. Interim management secures operations while we conduct a thorough executive search.

Does it cost more to use both?

It depends on the process, but the cost of a vacant key role or a wrong hire is often much higher. We provide a clear estimate.

What if we do not know what we need?

Let's talk about your needs. We assess the situation and recommend the right approach – even if the answer is to wait.

Your contact
Portrait of Hilde Lekven

Hilde Lekven

Managing Partner

Let’s have a no-obligation chat

You don’t need to have the answer ready. Tell me what you are facing, and together we will work out the right next step – with no obligation.

Call Hilde directly +47 952 82 591

Or ask me to call you

Takes less than a minute. I reply within one working day.
  • Full confidentiality
  • No obligation
  • Reply within one working day