{"id":62913,"date":"2025-09-13T13:56:55","date_gmt":"2025-09-13T11:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mf.ag\/?p=62913"},"modified":"2025-09-15T08:52:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T06:52:56","slug":"interim-management-in-the-event-and-entertainment-industry-how-rikke-draebye-gantzhorn-transformed-royal-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mf.ag\/en\/articles\/interim-management-in-the-event-and-entertainment-industry-how-rikke-draebye-gantzhorn-transformed-royal-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"Interim Management in the Event and Entertainment Industry: How Rikke Dr\u00e6bye Gantzhorn Transformed Royal Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When Rikke Draebye Gantzhorn<\/a> was contacted by Nordic Interim – A Valtus company,<\/a> she had no plans to take on an executive interim role. But the challenge was too exciting to turn down, and she was engaged as Interim Director at FrederiksborgCentret\/Royal Stage<\/a>, reporting directly to the chairman of the board but operating within the organization, outside the traditional CEO<\/a> structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe setup was unique \u2013 I wasn\u2019t part of the management team and didn\u2019t report to the CEO, but I was inside the company, working on behalf of the board.\u201d<\/em> she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t unfamiliar territory. With earlier leadership roles she brought experience in optimizing commercial real estate, venue operations, commercial transformation and strategic execution. This mix was exactly what FrederiksborgCentret\/Royal Stage needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally a short-term assignment, everything changed after just 8 weeks. The board decided to change the CEO and Rikke was offered the role of interim CEO. \u201cI could continue implementing what the board had asked me to do, but now with the full authority to execute and as interim CEO it was a good way for both sides to test the fit.\u201d<\/em> says Rikke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transformation in Motion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FrederiksborgCentret\/Royal Stage is undergoing significant change. \u201cIt\u2019s essentially two full-time jobs\u201d she says. \u201cYou\u2019re managing the daily operations while executing on strategic transformation. I love it \u2013 the people, the projects, the potential.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She highlights the importance of collaboration, particularly with the municipality. \u201cWe\u2019re combining the commercial mindset with the public sector\u2019s service perspective. That means thinking of people and users with focus on high quality, user experience and customer service. Bringing in an outside-in perspective is key.\u201d <\/em>she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That shift also requires new competencies, fresh processes, smarter pricing, and an entirely customer-driven approach. \u201cIt\u2019s a big change but the organization is ready. There\u2019s a good momentum to redeem the potential.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Interim Management is the perfect solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coming in as an Interim Director gave Rikke a unique starting point. \u201cAs a neutral person, people opened. There were no preconceived roles or expectations. It allowed me to implement quickly, without an onboarding period, and that saved the organization both time and money.\u201d <\/em>she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her view of Executive Interim Management has changed radically. \u201cI used to think of Interim Managers as people between jobs. Now I see the value \u2013 it\u2019s a strategic way to inject experience and pace exactly when and where it\u2019s needed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Strong Partnership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The process with Nordic Interim was smooth. \u201cOle did a fantastic job. He followed up, supported me throughout the assignment, and made sure everything felt secure.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life Beyond Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Outside of her role, Rikke enjoys family life with her husband, teenage twin boys, outdoor training, running, and spending time with friends. When in Copenhagen, she recommends a FCK-football game at Parken Stadium, visiting Tivoli, grabbing a Danish pastry, and walking along the harbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Royal Stage at a Glance (as of 2025):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n