Interim CEO for Family Business
Family businesses bring in an interim CEO to bridge a generational transition, professionalize the company, or run it during a sale. The role is as much about family governance as operations: the CEO reports to the shareholders, not just the board.
Common situations
- Founder is stepping back and the next generation is not ready
- Two branches of the family disagree and need a neutral operator
- The company is being groomed for sale in twelve to twenty-four months
- The business has outgrown the family's operating capacity
What the role owns
- Full operational P&L
- Family council reporting on decisions with heritage impact
- Preparation of the next generation or of the sale
- Professionalization of controls, governance, and reporting
What matters most
Discretion, respect for the family's culture, and a willingness to hand back a stronger business without ego. Family businesses are the hardest interim mandate to end well, and the most rewarding when they do.
https://niklaslindahl.com/guides/interim-ceo-for-family-business