June 27, 2025

What is the Role of an Interim CIO? 5 Common Use Cases

What is the Role of an Interim CIO? 5 Common Use Cases

In today’s fast-moving, tech-driven business environment, the role of the CIO is more critical — and more complex — than ever. Whether your organization is navigating digital transformation, merger integration, or large-scale ERP system upgrades, an Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) can deliver immediate, strategic value without adding long-term overhead.

(Learn more about our Interim CIO Services and Fractional CIO Services here.)

Unlike consultants or rising IT managers, a seasoned interim CIO brings deep operational and leadership experience. These executives are not only capable of taking on the same responsibilities as a permanent CIO, but they also offer a focused lens on change, transformation, and rapid results.

Here are 5 common use cases where an interim CIO can be a powerful asset to tackle high-impact technology initiatives, IT leadership gap coverage, or specialized project execution:

Read More

June 26, 2025

Fractional vs. Interim Executives: What Are the Differences and Which is the Right Path?

Fractional vs. Interim Executives: What Are the Differences and Which is the Right Path?

Interim and fractional leadership lies at the intersection of leadership gaps and the gig economy. They are the answer to the challenges organizations face in today’s dynamic business landscape. But what are the differences between the two approaches and which one is right for your organization? And which is the right future career path for you as a high-level executive?

Let’s break it down.

Read More

June 13, 2025

Top 5 Qualities of a Great Interim CIO

Top 5 Qualities of a Great Interim CIO

When technology stalls or transformation fails, it’s rarely because of tools or code. More often, the root issue is leadership — misaligned, ineffective, or stuck in the weeds.

That’s where interim CIOs step in. The best ones don’t just manage systems. They stabilize teams, reset direction, and accelerate outcomes — often under immense pressure and tight timelines.

At InterimExecs, we work with elite interim leaders across the globe through our RED Team. We sat down with some of our top-performing interim and fractional CIOs to understand what separates the good from the truly great.

Here’s what we found:

Read More

May 13, 2025

Guide to Hiring a Fractional CFO: What to Know Before You Make the Call

Guide to Hiring a Fractional CFO: What to Know Before You Make the Call

Hiring a fractional CFO could be one of the most impactful decisions you make this year. Whether your company is preparing for growth, managing a complex financial challenge, or gearing up for fundraising, a seasoned financial leader can bring clarity and direction — without the overhead of a full-time hire.

In this guide, we break down when to bring in a fractional CFO, what to expect, how to choose the right one, and how InterimExecs can match you with a RED Team leader who’s ready to make an immediate impact.

Read More

April 18, 2025

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

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 10, 2025

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

✅ 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

January 27, 2025

Give Us Your Shills, Your Deadbeats, Your Huddled Signers Yearning to Cover for Disguised Anonymous LLC Owner: The Quiz for Executives

Give Us Your Shills, Your Deadbeats, Your Huddled Signers Yearning to Cover for Disguised Anonymous LLC Owner: The Quiz for Executives

True call, came in just now:

Caller: “I’m a lawyer in California with a client in XW (redacting state name so goons don’t come after us). We need a manager for an LLC. Do you have a COO who could sign a member LLC agreement?

InterimExecs: “You mean an interim COO? Do you have existing operations?”

Caller: “No, it’s a startup.”

InterimExecs: “Ok, well, what kind of operations are planned, how many employees, what kind of funding?”

Caller: “We need someone to sign because the state requires a member signature and they’d have to sign in all the places. In the construction industry.”

InterimExecs: “But this is an operational role?”

Caller: “No, The CEO does not want to disclose his identity.”

Read More

September 27, 2024

My CFO Just Quit. What Should I Do Now?

My CFO Just Quit. What Should I Do Now?

So your Chief Financial Officer just announced plans to leave. If you’re lucky, it’s a planned retirement several months in the future, giving you the time and space you need to conduct a thorough search for exactly the right new CFO. The stock market will have time to digest the news, the finance department staff and leadership team will get comfortable with the idea of a pending transition, and the bankers will remain calm.

But, what if the CFO leaves unexpectedly? It happens. Perhaps the departing CFO is leaving for health reasons. Or has taken a new position. Or is simply burned out after guiding the company through a pandemic, inflation, global uncertainty, and political upheaval.

Whatever the reason, you’re in a bind. You need to act fast to keep everyone calm — investors, stockholders, bankers, employees, the financial watchdogs who oversee public companies.

Read More

June 20, 2024

Executive Search Services: Why Interim Executives Are Right for Fast-Growing Companies

Executive Search Services: Why Interim Executives Are Right for Fast-Growing Companies

Interim executives — experienced C-suite leaders who take on short-term roles — traditionally are found in turnaround situations, coming in to save companies on the brink. Or they are brought in to keep a company moving forward while a new permanent hire is identified and onboarded.

But there’s another leadership role that is tailor-made for an interim leader: Using their skills, experience and executive talent to guide fast-growing companies.

An experienced interim executive is the right leader for companies facing big points of change or growth. Interim and fractional executives often step in to address growing pains many organizations feel when they lack the systems and processes to scale. On the other hand, interim executives jump in as a key part of the diligence or post-acquisition integration strategy for companies and private equity firms leveraging an M&A strategy to expand.

Read More

June 11, 2024

CFO Resignations Hit Record Highs. Who Will Fill the Role When Your CFO Leaves?

CFO Resignations Hit Record Highs. Who Will Fill the Role When Your CFO Leaves?

During the first quarter of 2024, 82 Chief Financial Officers of the biggest public companies left their jobs, tying a record set in Q1 2021. The difference between then and now? Many of the CFOs who resigned in 2021 were retiring post-pandemic. Today, many of them are taking over as CEO, COO, or some other C-suite position.

According to data reported by the management consulting firm Russel Reynolds Associates, 271 CFOs left their post as finance chief in 2023. And Russell Reynolds says that 291 new CFOs were appointed in 2023 — nearly two-thirds of them first-time CFOs.

That adds up to a huge demand for new CFOs around the globe.

Read More