As companies look to maintain steady leadership even through periods of change, the appointment of interim leaders is on the rise. In February 2025 alone, 247 companies named new CEOs, with nearly one in four of those appointments made on an interim basis.
It’s part of a broader shift in how companies are navigating executive change. Since 2020, demand for interim leaders at all levels has surged 310%, and requests for interim CEOs and Presidents are up 80% year-over-year, according to the 2025 High-End Independent Talent Report.
As valuable as interim executives are in the short term, every organization eventually faces the same question: How do we confidently and successfully move from interim to permanent leadership?
Why Appoint an Interim Leader?
Interim leaders step in when business continuity is critical and timing is tight. Maybe your CEO or senior executive stepped down unexpectedly. Maybe your company is going through a reorganization, merger, or strategic shift. Or maybe you’re replacing a longtime leader and want time to get the next hire right.
In these moments, an interim leader offers stability, structure, and forward motion. They create accountability when things could otherwise stall. Interim leaders are professionals who know how to step up during periods of transition. And they give your team breathing room while you thoughtfully search for a permanent replacement.
Could Your Interim Be the Long-Term Answer?
It’s a common and important question: Should we consider making our interim leader permanent?
Sometimes the answer is yes. Interim executives get a front-row seat to your culture, your challenges, and your team. If they thrive in the role, align with your long-term vision, and earn stakeholder trust, they may very well be the right fit to take your organization forward.
But other times, they’re best suited for what they were hired to do: guide the organization through a short-term need. When that’s the case, it’s important to move with intention toward identifying a leader who’s built for the road ahead.
5 Tips for a Smooth Transition from Interim to Permanent Leadership
Once you’ve identified the right permanent leader—whether it’s your interim executive or someone new—how you manage the transition matters just as much as who you hire. A thoughtful, well-supported transition sets the tone for your next chapter and helps ensure long-term success. Here are a few best practices:
1. Start Planning Early
Don’t wait until the new leader’s start date to begin planning. As soon as your search begins, start mapping out a transition timeline, communication strategy, and onboarding approach. Early planning minimizes disruption and builds internal confidence.
2. Communicate Clearly and Consistently
Keep your team in the loop. Announce the leadership change with transparency and clarity for your internal and external stakeholders. Acknowledge the interim leader’s contributions while building enthusiasm around the future.
3. Create Space for a Thoughtful Handoff
If your interim leader is stepping aside, facilitate a knowledge transfer. Make sure the incoming leader is well-briefed on current priorities, team dynamics, and ongoing initiatives. When possible, arrange some overlap time to ensure a warm handoff.
4. Prioritize Onboarding and Integration
Help your new leader build relationships from day one. Schedule meetings with key stakeholders, provide context on organizational culture, and be clear about short- and long-term expectations. The goal is to set them up for impact, not just orientation.
5. Celebrate the Transition
Leadership transitions are big milestones—acknowledge them! Mark the moment with a formal announcement or an all-team gathering. Celebrating creates a sense of shared momentum and signals to your team that the future is in good hands.
Partner with A Recruiter to Find the Right Long-Term Leader
Interim leadership can be incredibly valuable, but planning for the next steps is equally important. The real opportunity lies in what comes next: identifying the permanent leader who can guide your organization with vision, clarity, and confidence.
If you’re ready to move from interim to inspired, lasting leadership, partnering with a trusted recruiting firm like Recruiterie can make all the difference. Together, we’ll find the leader ready to move you forward—not just for the next few months, but for the next chapter.
Reach out to Recruiterie to start your search for your next permanent leader.