HIRE INTERIM
CEOs FOR YOUR
BUSINESS

Meet proven leaders ready to step into your vacant chief executive officer role.

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“I’ve always been so impressed by your network, deep firsthand understanding of what ‘great’ looks like for PE and your ability to run down trusted back channels from trusted sponsors and that all came to bear here in such a meaningful way.”

PE Firm Managing Director, Talent

TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF PRIVATE EQUITY
FIRMS AND THOUSANDS OF PROACTIVE
BUSINESSES

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Why Trust BluWave for your Temporary CEO?

You need an interim CEO fast, and BluWave already knows the best candidates. We’ll connect you with a short list of temporary chief executive officers within 24 hours of reaching out to our team of research consultants. Get matched by industry, company size, revenue models and other specific variables with the pre-vetted executives in our exclusive network.
300+
Interim CFOs
40+
Industries
<24 H
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Advantages
CFO Recruitment with BluWave
Generalist CFO Search firms
Expedient hiring process
✅ Lightning-fast placement process
❌ Lengthy drawn-out hiring process
Proven candidates
✅ Expert-vetted firm recommendations
❌ Risky commitments to untested firms
Local market expertise
✅ Local experts who know your market
❌ Remote recruiters with no local knowledge
Extensive network
✅ Strong network of proven specialists
❌ Limited word-of-mouth references
Project-specific vetting
✅ Tailored hires for specific projects
❌ Generic candidates lacking specialization
Simple, consultative process
✅ BluWave’s hands-on, white-glove service
❌ Self-serve hiring with little guidance
Best-fit matching
✅ Connect with best-fit, pre-vetted recruiting firms
❌ Difficult evaluations and slow processes

Marketing looks good.

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Digital goals, human touch.

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Get ready.

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Client Testimonials

Why Business Leaders Use BluWave

He earned himself a full-time position as CEO with us after BluWave identified him for the interim role. We appreciate the good work on all sides.

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Operating Partner, PE Firm

We would definitely use this interim CEO again. He did a great job. He went from an ops guy to a deal guy and pivoted really well. One of the best people we have worked with and feels like we didn’t even get to see his full potential.

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Executive, PE Firm

I would work with him again in a heartbeat and gladly recommend him as a top notch professional.

Very responsive. You found the right person for us and we had a great experience.

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Managing Partner, PE Firm

TEMPORARY CEO SERVICES

Crisis Management

Manage through business crises with swift assessments, effective damage control, and strategic communication to protect your company’s reputation and stability.

Operational Optimization

Improve business efficiency by streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing measurable performance metrics.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Leadership

Lead successful mergers and acquisitions by overseeing due diligence, negotiating terms, and ensuring seamless post-merger integration.

Cultural and Organizational Transformation

Drive cultural change within your company, fostering transparency, employee engagement, and alignment with strategic goals.

Governance and Compliance Oversight

Ensure strong governance and regulatory compliance while maintaining close communication with your board to manage risks and align operations.

Strategic Planning & Execution

Develop and implement tailored strategies to restructure operations, drive turnaround initiatives, and set your company on a clear path toward sustainable growth.

Leadership Development & Team Restructuring

Reshape your leadership team to align with new business goals, offering mentorship and preparing for a smooth leadership transition.

Financial Stabilization & Cash Flow Management

Optimize cash flow and stabilize finances through cost-cutting, debt restructuring, and investor relations management.

Business Development & Market Expansion

Identify growth opportunities, develop new partnerships, and create sales strategies to expand your market presence and increase revenue.

Exit Preparation & Sale Readiness

Maximize company valuation and guide your business through the sale process, preparing for a smooth ownership transition and sustainable success post-sale.

WHEN TO HIRE AN
INTERIM CEO

Your CEO unexpectedly resigned or was removed, leaving a leadership gap
You recently went through a merger or acquisition and need an experienced leader
You’re preparing to undergo a significant pivot or sell a company
You want to assess a candidate’s leadership fit before committing to a permanent hire
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“Businesses facing CEO vacancies should engage an interim executive to keep critical initiatives moving forward, ensuring the chosen candidate’s experience and skills align closely with the company’s needs.”

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Keenan Kolinsky

Managing Director, Head of Research & Operations

Client Success Stories

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On Short Notice, Interim CEO Turns Around Construction PortCo

New Temporary CEO Guided Mechanical Contractor Through Smooth Transition

With the Interim CEO’s guidance, the mechanical contractor gained clarity on its financial performance, identified necessary investments for underwriting success and developed a roadmap for the future. This successful interim engagement provided the company with stability during a critical phase and positioned them for future growth.

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Confidential Fractional CEO Search for Low-Speed Vehicle Manufacturer

Existing CEO was Not Up To PE Firm’s Standards

The fractional CEO the PE firm chose from BluWave’s exact-fit options provided crucial support to the company’s leadership team. This interim leader helped stabilize operations, guided the execution of the expansion plan and ensured effective communication with the board and lenders, positioning the company for improved performance and growth.

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Urgent Interim CEO To Provide Turnaround, Performance Improvement

Critical Need for Multi-Location Healthcare Services PortCo

Quickly after the initial scoping call, the PE firm was introduced to a PE-grade interim CEO who was local to the portfolio company’s area and specialized in multi-location company turnarounds

Private Equity Interim CEO: Resources

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Why Should You Hire an Interim Chief Executive Officer?

There are many reasons why a company might hire an interim CEO. These depend on the company’s size, industry, current challenges, future goals, and more.

Whatever the situation, this temporary executive’s goal is to be the glue that keeps everything together.

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Transformative Leader for Consumer Products Revitalization

The interim CEO, equipped with the requisite expertise and strategic foresight, was poised to guide the company through a period of transformative change, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and operational excellence in the consumer products domain.

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What Does an Interim CEO Do?

Private equity firms, their portcos, and private and public companies often seek a talented temporary chief executive officer to help them overcome challenging situations and not only survive but become even stronger than they went in.

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Interim CEO To Lead Difficult Transition for Aerospace Distribution

The leader’s experience and soft touch were instrumental in winning the trust of the existing team and ensuring a seamless transition, keeping the business on track during a critical period.

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Interim CEOs: Adapting Leadership for Success

Learn more about BluWave’s white-glove interim CEO matchmaking.

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Temporary CEO with Niche Manufacturing Expertise

The client successfully brought in the interim within the needed timeframe to transition the old CEO out, make business improvements, and lead and improve their operations until the permanent hire could be made.

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Project Details

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  2. Connect with PE-credentialed service providers in hours
  3. Select and hire a PE-grade resource that fits your needs

FAQs: BluWave Interim CEOs

Why hire an interim CEO? What are the benefits?

Hiring an interim CEO provides immediate leadership during times of transition or crisis, ensuring business continuity. Interim CEOs bring specialized expertise, quickly address challenges, and guide your company through restructuring, growth, or turnaround situations. They are a flexible solution while you search for a permanent CEO.

How much does an Interim CEO cost?

Each candidate will negotiate their own price. That being said, you can expect to pay between $325-500 on an hourly basis, or $60,000-$90,000 on a monthly basis.

How do I hire an Interim CEO using BluWave?

When you contact BluWave, we’ll provide a short list of exact-fit inteirm chief executive officer candidates within a business day of your initial scoping call. We hand-select each option from our pre-vetted network of experienced professionals. You’ll never receive generalist candidates from us. You’ll only meet individuals who are experienced with your industry and familiar with your situation’s exact needs.

What’s the difference between an interim CEO and a full-time CEO?

An interim CEO is a temporary leader brought in for short-term projects or crises, whereas a full-time CEO is a permanent executive responsible for the long-term strategy of the company. Interim CEOs typically focus on immediate issues, such as turnarounds or transitions, and then exit once the goals are achieved.

What’s the difference between an interim CEO and a fractional CEO?

An interim CEO leads a company full-time for a limited period, often during a critical phase, while a fractional CEO works on a part-time basis for multiple companies. Interim CEOs are ideal for companies needing full executive leadership, whereas fractional CEOs provide ongoing strategic guidance without full-time (typically 40 or more hours per week) commitment.

In what situations are interim CEOs used?

Interim CEOs are commonly used during leadership transitions, mergers and acquisitions, financial turnarounds or organizational crises. They are also hired when companies are preparing for a sale or restructuring and need experienced leadership to guide them through critical phases.

How long is an Interim CEO assignment?

Interim CEO assignments typically last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the company’s needs and the complexity of the challenges. The length of time can vary, but they are generally designed to provide leadership until the company stabilizes or a permanent CEO is appointed.