May 8, 2025

When the CEO Quits: How to Prepare and Respond

A record 2,221 CEOs announced plans to leave their posts in 2024, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. It’s the highest total the firm has tracked since it began keeping records in 2002. The trend continued in January 2025, with a record 222 CEOs leaving their posts.

Perhaps most troubling, Russell Reynolds says that just 28 percent of those CEO departures were planned. While that’s a 7 percent increase in year-over-year stats, it still means that the majority of companies scramble to fill a leadership void when a CEO leaves or unexpectedly resigns.

What are the most important steps a company should take when the CEO quits?

Read More

May 7, 2025

Why Public Companies Rely on Interim CFOs in Times of Transition

When a public company CFO leaves unexpectedly, the pressure is on. Reporting deadlines, investor calls, and team continuity can’t wait. And it’s a growing problem. CFO turnover among S&P companies hit the highest level in six years in 2024. That’s why more boards are hiring interim CFOs — experienced financial leaders who can step in immediately, stabilize operations, and build confidence.

To explore how this works in real time, InterimExecs CEO Robert Jordan sat down with two seasoned finance veterans, Mitch Cohen and Lawrence Firestone. Both have extensive experience as public company CFOs.

Read More

May 5, 2025

What Is a Fractional CIO — and When Should You Hire One?

Not every company needs a full-time CIO (Chief Information Officer). But nearly every company needs smart, strategic technology leadership.

Enter the fractional CIO — a senior executive who brings years of tech and business experience to your company on a part-time or project basis. Whether you’re scaling fast, modernizing outdated IT infrastructure, preparing for a sale, or looking for IT to fuel your business growth, a fractional CIO gives you the leadership you need — without the full-time overhead.

Read More

May 5, 2025

Acting Manager vs. Interim Manager: What Does Acting Mean in a Job Title?

So, you’re scrolling through LinkedIn or looking at an org chart and you see “Acting VP of Whatever” or “Acting CEO.” What’s the real deal there?

In a public company, “acting” or “interim” almost always says the same thing: “We’re in between permanent hires.” But look a little deeper and you may find some significant differences between one acting executive and another.

Read More

April 24, 2025

How to Become an Interim CFO: Lessons from 3 Pros Who Have Made the Leap

Making the leap from full-time finance professional to interim Chief Financial Officer isn’t just a career pivot—it’s a strategic reinvention. Whether you’re eyeing more flexibility, craving fresh challenges, or looking to leverage your financial expertise across multiple organizations, the interim CFO path offers high-reward opportunities. Demand for interim and fractional CFOs is soaring driven by market disruptions, private equity needs, and leadership gaps in existing companies.

But what does it really take to thrive in an interim role? InterimExecs CEO Robert Jordan spoke with three veteran interim CFOs who’ve successfully made the transition. Their insights reveal the mindset shifts, skills, and realities every seasoned financial management leader should know before stepping into the role.

Read More

April 18, 2025

When Does it Make Sense to Structure an Interim Gig as a Statement of Work Contract?

One of the hottest trends in the hot market for interim executives is structuring interim engagements as a “statement of work” contract. Here, we take a deep dive into this trend and look at when it makes the most sense for a company to negotiate a statement of work contract, when it makes the most sense for an interim, and when it simply doesn’t make sense for either.

Read More

April 16, 2025

11 Things to Expect from an Interim Leader During Their First 30 Days on the Job

So you’ve decided to bring in an interim executive. Perhaps you need to temporarily fill a leadership role while you conduct a thorough search for a new permanent hire. Or maybe you need an experienced leader to spearhead a new initiative or helm the launch of a new product. Or maybe your company is in crisis and you need a turnaround expert to right the ship.

Whatever the reason you have chosen to bring on an interim executive, you are about to work with someone who works differently. That’s because interims are wired for action.

Here are 11 things to expect from an interim executive during their first 30 days on the job.

Read More

April 10, 2025

✅ What Does a Fractional CFO Actually Do? Key Responsibilities Explained

Hiring a fractional CFO is one of the smartest moves a growing company can make — especially when full-time overhead doesn’t yet make sense.

But what exactly does a fractional CFO do?

Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or investors, board member exploring financial leadership options, here’s a closer look at how part-time CFOs drive financial clarity, control, and strategy across all kinds of companies.

Read More

April 1, 2025

Mitch Cohen and Larry Firestone on Why Public Companies Need Interim CFOs

InterimExecs CEO Robert Jordan sat down with two seasoned finance veterans, Mitch Cohen and Lawrence Firestone to talk about the critical moment public companies face when the Chief Financial Officer job is vacant and why an interim CFO is the best way to fill the role until a new permanent hire can be brought on board.

Both Cohen and Firestone have extensive experience as permanent and interim CFOs for public companies.

This is an edited transcript of their conversation:

Read More

March 26, 2025

When a Public Company CFO Leaves: Why “Now” is the Only Acceptable Timeline for Bringing in a Replacement

CFOs at private companies may come and go with little fanfare or long-term damage to the organization. But the sudden departure of a chief financial officer from a publicly traded company can send a tidal wave of worry through investors, employees, and stakeholders alike.

The CFO is the financial compass, the strategic partner, the place where the buck stops when it comes to fiscal responsibility and reporting.

And when the CFO role at a public company is vacant, the urgency to fill the void is paramount. “Later” simply isn’t an option. Let’s delve into why a public company needs a strong CFO, and needs them now. And then we’ll explore why many companies turn to an experienced interim CFO to bridge the gap​.

Read More