Interim Executives in Demand for PE and VC Firms
May 22, 2025 – In today’s high-velocity private equity and venture capital landscape, the pressure to deliver rapid, measurable results has elevated the role of executive interim leaders. Firms are increasingly prioritizing not just experience, but personality fit, as a decisive factor in navigating complex, fast-paced transformations. In the fast-paced world of PE and VC, timing is everything. The ability to deliver measurable results within compressed timeframes is what separates winners from the rest, according to a recent report from Alexander Hughes. “In this environment, executive interim managers have become a key resource, combining leadership expertise with the agility to meet aggressive growth and transformation goals,” the study said.
“We are witnessing a sharp rise in demand for executive interim managers, particularly from PE and VC firms,” said Niels Aabye Madsen, global managing partner, executive interim. “The need for leaders who can adapt quickly and deliver measurable results has never been greater.”
“At Alexander Hughes, we understand that success in leadership isn’t just about skills – it’s about personality,” Ms. Aabye Madsen said. “With over 65 years of experience matching organizations with leaders who thrive under unique challenges, we specialize in identifying the right people for the right roles. Operating in more than 50 countries, we help clients navigate the complexities of leadership selection—whether for interim or permanent positions.”
Personality – A Decisive Factor in PE/VC Leadership
The culture of PE- and VC-backed companies is fundamentally different from traditional organizations, the Alexander Hughes report explained. “These businesses operate at breakneck speed, driven by ambitious growth targets and evolving priorities,” the study said. “Interim managers in this space must adapt quickly, act decisively, and thrive under constant pressure.”
Related: Executive Transitions in Private Equity: Managing Leadership Change for Maximum Impact
Alexander Hughes points to this example, a CFO leading a traditional family-owned company might excel in a stable, methodical environment, but that same personality type may struggle to keep pace with a VC-backed start-up scaling across markets. Conversely, a hands-on, action-oriented leader who thrives in chaos is often a perfect fit for the rapid demands of a PE-backed portfolio company.
As the role of talent leaders evolves from support function to strategic operator, their seat at the private equity table is more vital than ever. Leo Cummings, an associate at Hunt Scanlon Ventures, sat down with Jessica Fiesta George, head of talent at Atlantic Street Capital Advisors, to explore what’s changing, and what it takes to lead in today’s performance-driven PE landscape.
Joanne Macris, managing partner for the U.K. and Ireland at Alexander Hughes, highlights the importance of this approach: “Evaluating personality is just as crucial as assessing skills and experience. Leaders who can excel under pressure and embrace ambiguity are essential for the fast-moving demands of PE and VC firms,” he said. “This underscores why personality is a decisive factor in PE and VC leadership—the ability to manage uncertainty, drive collaboration, and take decisive action is critical for delivering results.”
Matching the Right Personality with the Right Role
At Alexander Hughes, has assessed not only professional expertise but also leadership style and personality fit. For over 65 years, the firm has helped organizations identify executives who excel in complex and demanding environments, whether in interim or permanent capacities. With a global presence in over 50 countries, Alexander Hughes ensure that the leaders we provide align with the culture, pace, and strategic needs of PE- and VC-backed companies.
“Executive interim managers are far more than temporary solutions – they are strategic enablers who bring energy, focus, and expertise at pivotal moments,” Alexander Hughes said. “By selecting the right leader with the right personality, PE and VC firms can confidently navigate transitions, bridge leadership gaps, and accelerate value creation in an industry where every second counts.”
“Evaluating personality is just as crucial as assessing skills and experience,” said Joanne Macris, managing partner for the U.K. and Ireland. “Leaders who can excel under pressure and embrace ambiguity are essential for the fast-moving demands of PE and VC firms.”
Founded in 1957, Alexander Hughes is an international executive search firm advising senior management on key talent acquisition: executive and non-executive directors, senior managers and recognized experts. With 53 offices, Alexander Hughes has a fully-owned worldwide coverage offering local expertise combined with global capabilities. The team includes more than 130 consultants operating in 10 practices, ranging from financial services and technology to life sciences, industrial manufacturing, and consumer markets.
Related: How PE Firms Are Evolving In 2025
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
