Just for Now: How Do CEOs Use Interim Chiefs of Staff?
Many organizations struggle to fill key leadership roles without committing to long-term full-time hires, especially during periods of transition, scaling or project surges. Particularly for CEOs facing unexpected leadership gaps, managing transitions or tackling complex projects, hiring an interim Chief of Staff can often be a good solution. This temporary, senior-level role offers much-needed strategic support without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.
What is an interim Chief of Staff and why do CEOs rely on them?
Communicator, Confidant and Much More
As reported in a recent McKinsey & Company article titled Chief of Staff: Anatomy of the Role in Eight Charts, “The chief of staff role has been growing in importance and popularity as the pressure on private and public sector leaders intensifies. Called upon to spearhead transformational change, navigate complex business dynamics, balance strategic and tactical priorities, and handle myriad additional tasks, CEOs and other senior executives need to ensure that their own offices function seamlessly. Enter the Chief of Staff (COS).”
The Role of an Interim Chief of Staff
An interim Chief of Staff steps into the organization during periods of transition, whether it be leadership changes, parental leaves or crises. The Chief of Staff takes on the essential responsibilities of decision-making, prioritization and cross-functional alignment, providing stability when it’s needed most.
See the provided chart to better understand the difference between a fractional (part-time) hire and an interim Chief of Staff.
When Are Interim Chiefs of Staff Most Useful?
Here are a few common use cases for interim Chiefs of Staff:
Executive Transitions: Whether an executive unexpectedly leaves or is on Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), the interim Chief of Staff ensures continuity, guiding the organization through the shift.
Establishing New Operational Processes: If a leadership team lacks an organized rhythm of business, interim Chiefs of Staff can help establish operating cadences and workflows.
Strategic Initiative Implementation: From growth strategy execution to product transformation programs, interim Chiefs of Staff are frequently brought in to provide focused outcomes for specific initiatives. Their targeted approach ensures measurable results, allowing CEOs to stay agile and keep projects on track.
Post-Merger Integration: After a merger, these chiefs often step in to manage change and ensure the smooth function of newly integrated teams.
The Advantages of Interim Chiefs of Staff
One of the biggest benefits of hiring an interim Chief of Staff is flexibility. CEOs can engage these leaders for as long as needed without full-time hiring costs. Their ability to bring immediate leadership support to critical areas without the burden of a prolonged hiring process makes them an invaluable asset during times of transition. They help prevent burnout among existing teams by taking on high-stakes projects, streamlining decision-making and expertly executing strategic priorities. For companies needing rapid adaptation, an interim Chief of Staff offers the speed and agility necessary to keep up with fast-paced changes.
Interim Chiefs of Staff are not just stopgap measures. Their primary value lies in providing high-level support during urgent situations, whether the company is undergoing a major shift or dealing with an abrupt leadership departure. All that to say CEOs use interim Chiefs of Staff for the peace of mind they offer in turbulent times.
Vannin Chief of Staff, founded in 2020, is a premier talent partner with a focus on roles supporting the CEO. We have a proven track record of helping executives find the right talent, full-time or fractionally, and up-level their talent via our proprietary advisory program. Vannin Chief of Staff has served over 250 50 clients globally, including Shopify, Orange Theory, Cordis, Lilac Solutions, GRIN, Propelus, WALR, Wish for Wheels and more. Get details at vanninchiefofstaff.com.