How to evaluate an interim CEO.
What to look for. Red flags to avoid. Questions to ask the candidate. Use the checklist on every conversation.
What to look for
Six markers that separate operators from advisors.
/01
Operating P&L scars
Has actually owned a P&L. Not advised on one. Ask for the budget number and the headcount number.
/02
Turnaround or scale-up reps
Has run at least two situations of the kind you are hiring for, in person, not as an observer.
/03
Decision speed under pressure
Can describe the worst decision they made under pressure and what they would do differently. Vague answers are a red flag.
/04
Clean exits
Has left previous mandates on the agreed date with the successor in place. Ask the former chair, not the candidate.
/05
Language and culture fit
If the company is in Italy, the interim CEO must operate in Italian with staff and in English with the board. One person, no translation layer.
/06
Reference depth
Three references the candidate did not pick. A former chair, a former CFO, a former direct report.
Red flags
Walk away if you see these.
- Cannot name the metric they will move in the first 90 days.
- Brings a fixed framework rather than asking about your situation.
- Pushes a long minimum term before scoping the mandate.
- Will not commit to a clean exit date and a successor plan.
- Has never been removed, never failed, never had a hard quarter. Operators have scars.
- Talks about advisory work as if it were operating work.
Questions to ask
Seven questions for the first call.
- Q01What is the first decision you will make in week one and why?
- Q02What is the metric you will move and how will the board verify it?
- Q03Tell me about a mandate where the outcome missed. What did you own?
- Q04How do you handle a board that disagrees with you on a critical call?
- Q05When and how do you fire someone in the first 60 days?
- Q06Who is your successor profile and how will you find them?
- Q07What is your exit looks like and on what date?
Pre-filled answers
How this candidate passes the test.
The site owner is one specific interim CEO. Here is how he scores against the six markers.
Read the full bio- PASSOperated P&L from EUR 3M to EUR 18M as Managing Director Italy.
- PASSRan the EUR 120M+ marketing budget at LeoVegas Group as CMO.
- PASSContributed to the EUR 607M MGM acquisition of LeoVegas Group.
- PASSFounded, scaled and exited Optimized Group (sold for EUR 1.35M).
- PASSLed a US fund-backed CEO turnaround.
- PASSTrilingual: English, Italian, Swedish. Milan-based. Swedish Amphibious Corps background.
Next step
Need a CEO in Italy. Fast.
Book a 30-minute intro call. No pitch deck. Direct answers on fit, timeline and scope.