An Interview with Kelsey Champion (MBA, SHRM-CP), Think Consulting
Conducted by Reinhold Pfeifer
At Valtus Alliance, we work with trusted partners in 28 countries worldwide — and today, we invite you to get to know one of our U.S. partners more closely.
Kelsey Champion (MBA, SHRM-CP) is a senior consultant at Think Consulting in the United States. With extensive experience in executive leadership, transformation, and organizational development, she shares her perspective on how Executive Interim Management is evolving in the U.S. market and why it has become a critical leadership solution for American companies.
What business challenges are currently shaping the demand for Executive Interim Management in the United States?
The demand for Executive Interim Management in the United States continues to grow as organizations navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain business environment. Economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and political polarization are causing companies to rethink long-term hiring decisions and instead prioritize flexibility and speed.
U.S. businesses are balancing short-term operational stability with long-term transformation while facing fluctuating interest rates, ongoing supply-chain pressures, and cautious consumer behavior. Election cycles and regulatory uncertainty further contribute to hesitation around permanent executive appointments, making interim leadership an attractive alternative that delivers immediate impact without long-term commitment.
In parallel, the U.S. remains one of the world’s most active markets for mergers and acquisitions. Both large corporations and mid-market companies frequently require experienced executives who can step in at short notice to lead post-merger integrations, stabilize leadership during ownership transitions, or manage restructuring initiatives.
Private equity activity is another major driver. As private equity firms operate under tight timelines and strong performance expectations, interim executives play a key role in professionalizing organizations, accelerating operational improvements, and driving value creation. Interim leaders offer a pragmatic, results-oriented solution that aligns well with the pace and demands of the U.S. market.
What qualities do you see in the most successful Interim Executives?
The most successful Interim Executives are highly adaptable, action-oriented leaders who can quickly assess complex situations and move decisively. They combine deep functional expertise with strong emotional intelligence, allowing them to build trust rapidly and lead teams through periods of change and uncertainty.
Their effectiveness lies in their ability to focus on what truly matters: setting clear priorities, aligning stakeholders, and delivering measurable results within a defined timeframe.
What is the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned from working with Interim Management?
One of the key lessons is that leadership effectiveness is not determined by tenure, but by clarity, alignment, and execution. Interim Executives demonstrate that meaningful impact can be achieved quickly when leaders communicate transparently, establish focus, and empower teams.
Especially in times of uncertainty, their ability to provide direction, calm, and confidence is invaluable. Interim leaders help organizations stay aligned and motivated, even when the long-term path forward is still evolving.
Executive Interim Management in the U.S. — A Strategic Leadership Instrument
In the United States, Executive Interim Management has evolved into a strategic leadership instrument, not merely a temporary solution. Companies increasingly rely on interim executives to bridge leadership gaps, manage transformation, support private equity value-creation agendas, and ensure continuity during critical phases such as M&A, restructuring, or rapid growth.
The U.S. market values speed, accountability, and results — and interim executives are uniquely positioned to deliver all three. Their ability to step in quickly, diagnose challenges, and execute with precision makes them a powerful asset for organizations operating in a fast-moving and highly competitive environment.
To learn more about Executive Interim Management in the United States and how we support companies across America with experienced interim leaders, visit our Page: