NED vs Interim CEO for a Founder Handoff
A non-executive director advises and governs the transition; an interim CEO runs the company through it. When the founder needs to step out of daily operations but the company is not yet ready for a permanent successor, an interim CEO carries the load and a NED shapes the search.
Different jobs, often on the same handoff
The NED sits on the board, votes, and helps the founder define what the next CEO must be. The interim CEO takes the P&L, the team, and the calendar so the founder can actually let go. Skipping the interim usually stalls the transition; skipping the NED usually stalls the search.
Side by side
https://niklaslindahl.com/compare/non-executive-director-vs-interim-ceo-for-founder-handoff