When businesses face significant challenges, whether due to market shifts, financial issues, or operational inefficiencies, interim management offers a strategic solution. Interim managers bring specialised expertise and a fresh perspective, crucial for successful turnaround and restructuring efforts.
This article explores effective interim management strategies for both turnarounds and restructuring, highlighting key approaches and real-world examples.
Understanding Turnaround and Restructuring
What is Turnaround?
A turnaround refers to the averting of a life-threatening corporate crisis. Serious financial and operational problems must be addressed in order to restore profitability and a positive cash flow. This often requires a realignment of company processes and the organisation in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Staff reductions, an adjustment of the business model, cost cutting and changes in corporate management are often part of a turnaround. The aim is to create a leaner and more efficient organisation in order to return to profitability. Turnarounds require rapid and decisive action.
What is Restructuring?
Restructuring refers to a fundamental business reorganization of an economic entity that goes beyond the optimization of the organizational and operational structure in order to sustainably improve the quality of earnings, the debt capital structure, equity, liquidity and competitiveness. Restructuring can involve changes to company law and is often accompanied by M&A processes. Unlike turnarounds, restructurings do not necessarily have to be crisis-ridden.
The Role of Interim Management in Turnarounds and Restructuring
Expertise in Organisational Design
Interim managers provide valuable expertise in restructuring by analysing and redesigning organisational structures.
For example, when a company needs to streamline its operations, an interim manager can identify redundant roles, optimise workflows, and implement new management frameworks.
Example: A manufacturing company facing inefficiencies in its supply chain may bring in an interim manager to overhaul its logistics operations, reducing costs and improving delivery times.
Implementing Change
Effective restructuring requires the implementation of new strategies and processes. Interim managers are adept at executing these changes swiftly, ensuring minimal disruption. They manage the transition phase, communicate changes effectively, and address any resistance to new methods.
Example: A retail company undergoing restructuring to shift from brick-and-mortar stores to an online model can benefit from an interim manager who specialises in e-commerce. This manager can lead the digital transformation, implement new technologies, and train staff for the new business model.
Ensuring liquidity and sufficient equity
In addition to organizational optimization approaches, it is sometimes necessary to restructure equity and debt in order to get a company back on track. Experienced interim CFOs know how to negotiate with banks and how a company can obtain fresh equity.
Example: A company in the photovoltaic industry has slipped into the red due to huge bad investment and over-indebtedness is imminent. A standstill is negotiated with the banks until the company can be sold to a new majority owner. In the course of this, the balance sheet is put in order through waivers and subordination.
Driving Efficiency
Interim managers focus on improving operational efficiency by analysing existing processes and introducing best practices. They implement performance metrics and KPIs to monitor progress and ensure that restructuring goals are met.
Example: An interim manager might work with a financial services firm to streamline its reporting processes, cutting down on redundancies and enhancing accuracy. This leads to faster decision-making and better resource allocation.
Strategic Planning and Execution
Turnarounds require strategic planning to address underlying issues and set a clear path for recovery. Interim managers develop and execute turnaround plans, focusing on both short-term fixes and long-term strategies. They assess financial health, operational efficiency, and market positioning to craft a comprehensive recovery plan.
Example: When a technology startup faces financial distress, an interim manager can devise a turnaround plan that includes cost-cutting measures, revenue-generating strategies, and potential funding sources to stabilise the company.
Crisis Management
During a turnaround, managing crises effectively is crucial. Interim managers are skilled in handling high-pressure situations, making critical decisions, and implementing emergency measures to stabilise operations. They bring a sense of urgency and focus to address immediate concerns.
Example: In the case of a company experiencing a sudden drop in sales, an interim manager can quickly implement a crisis management plan that includes adjusting marketing strategies, negotiating with creditors, and re-aligning business operations to recover lost ground.
Engaging Stakeholders
Successful turnarounds involve engaging with various stakeholders, including employees, investors, and customers. Interim managers facilitate communication, address stakeholder concerns, and align everyone with the recovery plan. Their external perspective helps in negotiating with stakeholders and gaining support.
Example: During a turnaround, an interim manager might organise town hall meetings with employees to discuss the recovery plan, address concerns, and motivate the team. They also work with investors to secure additional funding or restructure existing financial arrangements.
Best Practices for Interim Management in Turnarounds and Restructuring
1. Clear Communication
Effective communication is vital throughout restructuring and turnaround processes. Interim managers should clearly articulate the reasons for changes, the benefits, and the expected outcomes. Transparency helps in gaining buy-in and reducing resistance.
2. Focus on Quick Wins
Identifying and achieving quick wins can build momentum and demonstrate progress. Interim managers should target areas where immediate improvements can be made, such as cost savings or efficiency gains, to create positive momentum.
3. Leverage Data and Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is essential for effective restructuring and turnaround. Interim managers use data and analytics to assess performance, identify issues, and track progress. Implementing robust reporting systems and KPIs ensures that actions are based on solid evidence.
4. Build a Strong Team
Interim managers should focus on assembling and motivating a capable team to support restructuring and turnaround efforts. Effective leadership and team dynamics are crucial for executing plans and achieving goals.
5. Monitor and Adjust
Continuous monitoring and adjustment are key to successful outcomes. Interim managers need to regularly review progress, adapt strategies as needed, and address any emerging issues promptly.
Conclusion
Interim management offers valuable support for companies undergoing restructuring and turnaround efforts. With their expertise, fresh perspectives, and ability to drive change, interim managers play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate complex challenges and achieve successful transformations.
Valtus Alliance’s Restructuring Network specialise in providing such expert interim managers who can lead these crucial changes effectively:
Argentina: Emanuel Silveira from Telos Transition
Austria: Christian Kniescheck from Management Factory Corporate Advisory
Australia: Dorel Iosif from Cognisium
Balkans & Baltics: Bohuslav Lipovsky from CE Interim
Belgium: Wim De Mulder from Valpeo
Brazil: Emanuel Silveira from Telos Transition
Canada: Benoît Créneau from xNorth
Balkans & Baltics: Bohuslav Lipovsky from CE Interim
Colombia: Emanuel Silveira from Telos Transition
Denmark: Henrik Lykke Appelquist from Nordic Interim
Finland: Niklas Björkman from Nordic Interim
France: Lionel Gouget, Christophe Mare and Thierry Butlewski from Valtus
Germany: Heinrich Schaible from Valtus Deutschland
India: Sanjay Lakhotia from Noble House Consulting
Italy: Maurizio Ria from Duke & Kay and Roberto La Caria from STM
Japan: Hajime Baba from Clareza Partners
Netherlands: Ronald de Zoete from Valpeo
Norway: Rolf Henrik Svendsen from Incepto Interim
Singapore: Ramesh Ramchand from Radialis
Spain: Juan Manuel Gil de Escobar Delgado from Epunto Interim Management
Sweden: Henrik Höjsgaard from Nordic Interim
United Kingdom and Ireland: Steve Rutherford from Valtus
United States: Joe Poling from Think Consulting