How Interim Management Has Changed For The Better

After 7 years operating at the top of the interim management industry, retiring Managing Partner Mike Hollin shares his thoughts on how the sector has changed for the better and the opportunities for interims in the future.

The main thing that really strikes me as I leave Alium Partners, and the industry, is just how much the market has changed. From my perspective, companies that use interims now have a much greater appreciation of the value of an interim. There is a significant amount of knowledge and learning been gained over the years in the client community, and the positive thing from this development is that interim is now no longer associated with cost or expense - but quite simply adding value.

Interim Management: A Strategic Tool

Interim management as a resource has also professionalised and become a lot more of a positive, strategic tool. Early on in the interim industry, interims were regarded by some as crisis merchants – only called on if there is an emergency or sudden departure. But today, as more companies have realised the benefits of the model and the exceptional executive talent available, interim has moved into a much more positive space. Interim management is now a recognised, strategic part of the workforce – not there just for gap fill or problems.

There is also a further piece of development around the actual interims themselves. As the industry has moved from being functionally focussed, to being utilised across specific sectors and, now, different capabilities like bids or m-commerce, there is a cross fertilisation that has taken place. From my own experience in running the Health practice here over the last few years, this phenomenon has allowed those with the right skills and expertise gained in the private sector, to enter into the public sector space and deliver the real change and transformation needed – while also introducing a commercial acumen that is much desired.

So with all the above positive progress in mind, I am sad to leave Alium, and the interim industry. But I retire with both in rude health. Change is the most difficult thing to achieve in a business – but, if you have the right team – and I know Alium do – you will achieve your objectives.

And, course, if you feel like you are struggling, hire an interim!

Good luck to Nigel and all the team at Alium Partners

What is your opinion on how the interim management industry has developed over the years? Do you agree it has gone from negative to positive? Share your thoughts below.

Tags: interim management, transformation