Kıvanç Ersöz is the founder and CEO of E&E Group Career & Change Consultants, a leading Executive Interim Management firm based in Istanbul, Turkey. With over 30 years of executive experience in management consulting and senior corporate leadership, Kivanç brings a unique blend of strategic insight and hands-on transformation expertise. E&E Group is the newest member of our global network of top-tier Executive Interim Management firms, Valtus Alliance. In this interview, Kivanç shares his views on the growing importance of interim leadership, the specific challenges businesses in Turkey and the region face, and what makes Interim Executives an essential strategic asset in the dynamic business environment.
Can you tell us about your professional background and how it led to the founding of E&E Group?
My career began in strategy and management consulting, where I worked with global firms advising clients on transformation, restructuring, and post-merger integration. Over the years, I transitioned into executive roles across various industries, including energy, consumer goods, and industrials. I have always been drawn to situations where rapid results and decisive action were needed, be it launching new operations, driving turnarounds, or entering new markets.
In 1992, I founded E&E Group for Career Consulting and Change Management activities. Later in 2014 I set up Eande Interim Solutions to bring high-impact Interim Management solutions to the Turkish market and surrounding region. I saw a gap: businesses were increasingly facing complex and time-sensitive challenges but often lacked the leadership capacity or specific expertise to address them swiftly. E&E Group was created to fill that void – providing seasoned executives who could step in, lead, and deliver results without delay. What led me to Interim Management is its precision and purpose. You’re not just hiring a leader – you’re bringing in someone who’s done it before, who can assess, act, and execute from day one.
When do you recommend that companies engage an Interim Manager?
There are several key scenarios where Executive Interim Management is not just helpful but critical. One is when there’s a sudden leadership gap, whether due to resignation, illness, or unexpected turnover. In these moments, time is of the essence. Interim leaders bring continuity and credibility while a permanent solution is being identified.
Another major area is transformation; digital, operational, or organizational. Many companies are undergoing rapid change, but internal teams are often too stretched or too embedded in existing structures to drive that change effectively. An Interim Executive comes in with fresh perspective, focus, and the authority to execute a plan without being caught in legacy constraints.
We also see strong demand in post-merger integration, performance improvement, and restructuring. These are moments when experience truly matters – when companies need leadership that’s not only strategic but operationally hands-on.
What are the specific benefits that Executive Interim leaders are bringing to businesses in your region?
In Turkey and across the broader region, businesses face a unique combination of volatility and opportunity. Whether it’s navigating inflation, expanding into neighbouring markets, or managing generational transitions in family-owned firms, the complexity is high. Interim Managers bring clarity and momentum in these situations.
First, they provide immediate access to senior expertise. These are professionals with 20–30 years of experience who have handled similar challenges in similar sectors, so the learning curve is minimal. Second, they are independent. In cultures where internal hierarchies and loyalty dynamics can slow down change, an external leader brings objectivity. They can ask the hard questions, make tough decisions, and focus solely on results. Third, they are flexible. Whether the mandate is three months or twelve, Interim Managers adapt to the business context, scale their involvement as needed, and then exit once the mission is complete. We’ve seen this work across sectors, from industrial manufacturing and healthcare to retail and tech. The model is maturing, and clients are recognizing that interim leadership isn’t a stopgap, it’s a strategic lever.
Kivanç Ersöz’s journey, from strategy consultant to executive and founder of E&E Group, reflects a deep understanding of how effective leadership drives business outcomes, especially during times of change. His firm’s entry into the Valtus Alliance marks a significant step in bringing world-class Interim Management leadership solutions to Turkey and the region. As businesses continue to face disruptions and navigate transformation, Interim Management offers the speed, expertise, and independence needed to act decisively. Leading players like E&E Group play a key role in shaping the future of Executive Interim leadership across borders.
E&E Group helps create better careers and businesses.
Since 1992, E&E Group provides Executive Talent Management Services such as Executive Search, Outplacement & Career Transition, Interim Management & Organizational Change, Executive Coaching – Leadership Development & Assessment.
Interim & Change Management: E&E offers Interim Senior Executives to help companies transition and grow, and is a member of Valtus Alliance. Founded in 2001, Valtus is the French pioneer in executive interim management and has since emerged as the leader throughout Europe
Executive Search: E&E is a member of Friisberg & Partners International with 30 offices worldwide, act as one firm ensuring the best outcomes for our its clients.
Outplacement & Career Transition Management: E&E is the leading Outplacement Company in Turkey since 1996 and member of the OI Global Partners with 225 offices in 27 countries & 1,800 associates globally.
Executive Coaching – Leadership & Career Development: E&E is a founding member of EMCC Turkey.
Assessment & Organizational Development: E&E is the Turkish representative of Harrison Assessments Int.