Shortlist an Interim CEO in Italy in 10 Days
A retained search partner working a live interim CEO mandate in Italy can build a credible three-name shortlist inside ten working days: two days to define the brief, four to source and screen, three to reference, one to present. This guide is the exact sequence.
Days 1-2: brief
- Sponsor, chair, and PE lead aligned on the outcome for month three
- Language, sector, and mobility requirements agreed in writing
- Rejection criteria explicit: no consulting-only backgrounds if the mandate is a turnaround
Days 3-6: source and screen
- Draw from the interim panel, LinkedIn Recruiter, and named referrals
- Screen against P&L size, direct reports, and named outcomes
- Two 45-minute calls per candidate: sponsor fit and hard-decision test
Days 7-9: reference
- Two references per finalist, both chair or PE sponsor level
- One question in every call: would you hire them again for this exact mandate?
- Written note back to the client within 24 hours of the call
Day 10: present
- Three names, one recommendation, honest read on trade-offs
- Availability, day rate, and start date confirmed in writing
- Two client interviews booked for the following week
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