Manage HR Magazine: Specials Magazine

A 48-hour window lies before the board members to find the perfect interim replacement—a task demanding precision and speed, especially when the departing executive is the CEO. With high stakes, securing an interim leader who possesses the right expertise, leadership, and experience is crucial to keeping the company afloat. This is where experts like Interim Search make all the difference. As Sweden’s most reliable interim management company and the third-largest in Europe, Interim Search quickly identifies and places highly qualified consultants specializing in leadership roles across various industries. The company’s proven track record, well-established workflows, teamwork, and extensive network of vetted professionals ensure that every client gets the perfect match—even under the tightest deadlines. “At Interim Search, we focus on understanding our clients’ most critical needs, swiftly placing the right interim leader to guide the company through the transition period and ensure business continuity until a permanent solution is secured,” says AnnaCarin Stolpe, Director and Head of the International Desk at Interim Search. Speed, Precision, and a Proven Process Interim Search is built to deliver precision, speed, and expert interim services through a well-structured, methodical approach. The company’s clear-cut principles and continuous dialogue with a network of highly qualified managers and specialists allow it to stay up to date on the availability and skill sets of potential interims. For assignments requiring extra speed, a senior director leads the recruitment process, meticulously assessing every detail. Supporting them is a skilled team of researchers who identify and connect with the best candidates. This structured approach enables the team to operate efficiently under pressure and deliver the right candidates quickly. Yet this speed and precision wouldn’t be possible without Interim Search’s vast network of over 16,000 personally vetted consultants. This extensive, continuously updated talent pool spans multiple industries, allowing the company to meet urgent leadership needs with the right expertise—regardless of the challenge. Even joining Interim Search’s network of consultants is no small feat—the company rigorously filters out those who do not meet its high standards. Before a consultant is placed, they undergo a rigorous interview with a senior director, during which their background, capabilities, and suitability for client needs are thoroughly examined. A detailed background check—including academic verification and screenings for criminal or tax complications—guarantees that only the highest-quality professionals are presented to clients.

HR Consulting Firm of the Year in Europe 2025

Retaining a productive workforce begins with truly listening to employees and orchestrating tasks around individual strengths—a priority central to every business agenda. For the last five decades, Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) has been architecting workplace loyalty by empowering organizations to understand what drives employers’ motivation. An executive search firm, it excels in offering a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to cultivate leadership pipelines and foster the development of high-performing teams that can adapt to evolving business demands. Korn Ferry’s global reach, combined with a diverse team of seasoned professionals, allows it to serve clients across regions with precision. Customized solutions are crafted to address specific challenges by deeply understanding the unique cultural and operational nuances of different markets. By leveraging cuttingedge technology and an extensive network, the company ensures that organizations can access the expertise and resources necessary to resolve immediate needs and long-term goals. “Our sustained success stems from a balanced approach, from our colleagues and intellectual property to our diversified strategy and broad offerings,” says Gary Burnison, CEO.

IN MY OPINION

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Enhancing Employee Experience through Strategic Recruiting and Onboarding

Oksana Antonova, Head of Recruiting, Onboarding and Engagement, Allianz [ETR: ALV]

LAST WORD

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Stress Management starts on the inside

Marieke Bulkmans, Head of HR, Airbus (Netherlands) [EPA: AIR]

IN FOCUS

Interim Management in Europe: Flexible Leadership for Change

Interim management in Europe offers expert leadership, flexibility, and cost-effective solutions. It helps organizations navigate change, fill critical gaps, and maintain stability without long-term commitments or disruptions.

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Evolving Role of Interim Management Suppliers in Europe

European businesses face volatile market conditions, rapid technological disruptions, and increasing talent gaps.

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EDITORIAL

Navigating Transitions with Precision Leadership

Businesses often encounter moments where leadership is needed, but a permanent hire isn’t practical or timely. Interim management suppliers play a critical role in these situations by connecting organizations with experienced professionals who can step in quickly to manage change, fill leadership gaps, or drive specific projects. Unlike traditional recruitment firms, these suppliers focus on speed, precision and senior-level expertise, helping companies maintain momentum without long-term commitments.

This shift toward interim leadership is being accelerated by several key trends. As businesses face increasing complexity, from digital transformation and global expansion to evolving regulations, the need for agile, experienced leadership has never been greater. At the same time, a growing number of senior professionals are choosing flexible, portfolio-style careers, creating a rich pool of talent available for short term assignments. Economic uncertainty and tighter budgets are also driving organizations to seek cost-effective leadership solutions that deliver immediate value without long-term commitments. With remote and hybrid work models now widely accepted, interim management has become a strategic choice for many forward-looking companies.

This edition of Manage HR Europe brings recent developments in the interim management landscape into focus, highlighting how top suppliers are adapting to shifting client demands, leveraging technology to enhance speed and precision and expanding their networks to meet growing cross-border needs.

It features thought leadership articles from industry experts, including Marieke Bulkmans, head of HR for Airbus, Netherlands, who shares how stepping out of their comfort zone and reflecting on experiences has helped them grow both professionally and personally. Deborah Lee, group chief people officer at Compass Group discusses the evolving challenges in HR, such as changing employee expectations, the need for authentic workplace culture and the importance of flexible, inclusive environments.

We hope this edition helps you build the partnership your organization needs to navigate change confidently, seize new opportunities and harness the full potential of interim leadership.

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