Top 10 Fractional and Interim Executive Search Firms
Leadership gaps can disrupt even the most well-run organizations.
Scenarios such as a sudden CEO departure, stalled digital transformation, or a post-acquisition integration could create the need for a quick leader appointment. In fact, about 1,991 CEOs left their posts in 2024, a 16 % increase vs. 2023, which just highlights how often leadership vacuums emerge and the need to act fast.
And that’s where fractional and interim executives come in.
The reality is that many organizations aren’t equipped to fill those positions with speed. So, working with an executive search firm that provides interim or fractional leadership is the answer. They can provide experienced C-suite leaders and VPs who can deliver immediate impact, stabilize operations, and guide strategic transitions.
With deep industry expertise and global networks, they match top-tier executive talent with short-term or project-based roles across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing.
This guide examines why organizations are increasingly relying on interim and fractional executive search services, and which firms excel in this area.
TL;DR
Alpha Apex Group: Alpha Apex Group stands out for their exceptional speed and flexibility. They deliver qualified interim or full-time executive candidates within 72 hours and complete most searches in under 43 days.
Cowen Partners: Cowen Partners offers senior partner-led executive searches with a national footprint, focusing on C-suite and private equity placements across the US.
Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry offers global scale and consulting-grade insights. Their interim executive and leadership consulting services are a fit for companies looking for transformation or long-term succession planning.
Boyden: Boyden brings over seven decades of global experience. Their interim management division mobilizes senior leaders to ensure business continuity during transitions or crises.
True Search: True Search has a data-driven, tech-enabled approach. Powered by platforms like Thrive and AboveBoard, they are able to expand access to diverse and inclusive executive talent.
Why Partner with a Fractional and Interim Executive Search Firm
Even if hiring typically falls under your HR department, working with an executive search firm is still a smart move. Executive recruitment demands a different approach, deeper networks, and experience that comes only from doing it every day.
But there’s even more incentive to hire a fractional or interim executive search agency.
Speed When It Matters Most
Traditional executive searches can take 120 days or more to complete. Many companies don’t have that kind of time, especially during a crisis, integration, or transformation. And each day without a leader at the helm costs money.
An interim leader can bridge the gap while a full-time executive search continues. An executive search firm with a shorter time-to-fill guarantee can save the day by placing an interim executive to keep the show going.
Stability Through Record Leadership Turnover
CEO and CFO changes have surged, with global CEO departures hitting record levels in 2024, and CFO exits/retirements elevated in H1 2025. Interim executives provide continuity for Boards, PE sponsors, and management teams navigating succession, audits, and strategy resets.
Similarly, fractional C-suite leaders can also be a good choice to keep leadership going. It’s cost-effective and enables leaders to operate effectively across multiple businesses. For companies with multiple divisions or subsidiaries, a fractional CEO could cover more than one division.
Hard Costs of Leaving the Seat Open
Every week without a C-suite leader compounds the cost-of-vacancy (lost revenue, slower decisions, missed projects, and heavier workloads) on the remaining team. You might think about promoting someone from within to fill the leadership gap, but that’s a risky move; data shows that almost half of internal promotions stumble during the first year. On top of that, you’ve got the added pressure of the team absorbing the old role’s workload too.
Interim placement converts that idle time into execution, while you run a rigorous, retained executive search process in parallel.
Proven Turnaround Impact
One case study from FD Capital shows how interim CFOs stabilize cash and reset controls. They arrived at a time when the business was facing financial difficulties and intense competition. They quickly turned things around with their expertise and strategic planning.
The right interim leader can carve out a path and deal with financial challenges, while the search for permanent leadership goes on. In fact, such scenarios can also lead to interim-to-hire pathways, where performance in the interim or factional role leads to permanent placement.
Access to Niche, Leadership-Ready Talent
A distinct advantage of working with an executive search firm is that they already have a network of executives, including fractional leaders, ready to be screened for the role. They can tap their network and source the executive best suited to the industry and niche of your organization.
Additionally, fractional executives are gaining popularity due to the flexibility and cost advantages they offer. They can also be useful for business continuity in case of abrupt leadership exits.
According to one estimate, there were over 120,000 fractional leaders in 2024, representing a nearly double increase from 2022.
Best Fractional and Interim Executive Search Firms
Now that you understand the importance of a recruiting partner or search firm when looking for an interim or fractional leader, let’s discuss the top companies you can work with.
1. Alpha Apex Group
Alpha Apex Group is a relatively young but rapidly growing executive search and consulting firm. Founded in 2020, we have gone on to make over 2,000 placements in that short period of time.
We specialize in executive search (both active and passive candidates), including fractional and interim choices. In fact, we recommend fractional CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and other C-Suite leaders to budding companies that need great but cost-effective leadership.
And while an interim leader fills in the position and keeps operations running, our experts can also start a retained executive search for a permanent placement down the line.
Here’s what we do:
We start with an audit of your organization’s leadership structure and business strategy.
We speak with your current leadership to understand the requirements for the executive position and the company culture as a whole.
Within the first 72 hours, you get the first round of executive profiles delivered to your inbox.
We strive to achieve a successful placement within 43 days (or even earlier for urgent interim roles).
You’re kept in the loop throughout the process, which is transparent and accountable. We also offer guidance on candidate selection and retention strategy because we’re in it for the long haul.
That’s why names like Meta, AWS, and Skanska trusted us. We cater to virtually all industries when it comes to searching for quality interim and fractional executives.
Key Services:
Retained executive search for C-suite and senior leadership (CEO, CFO, CDO, CTO, CMO)
Interim and fractional executive placement (for leadership gaps, special projects, transformation)
Talent-mapping and candidate sourcing across industries (manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, tech)
Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) / leadership pipeline development
Leadership assessment, cultural-fit evaluation, and onboarding/integration support
Why work with Alpha Apex Group?
If your organization is facing a leadership gap, Alpha Apex offers a solution that is fast, flexible, and aligned with your strategic needs. We get the job done.
2. Cowen Partners
Cowen Partners is a retained executive search firm headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. They serve clients across the US, including public companies, private equity-backed firms, pre-IPO ventures, and nonprofits.
They follow a senior partner-led model, which enables them to deliver qualified C-suite candidates within six weeks. That’s on par with the timeline we offer, which is fast compared to most traditional search processes.
Their expertise is in industries such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, real estate, and retail. They help organizations secure leadership talent that aligns strategically and culturally with their business goals.
Their process is data-driven, and combines leadership assessment, performance analysis, and strategic alignment.
Key services:
Retained executive search for CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, CMO, CHRO, and other C-suite roles
Private equity executive search for portfolio company leaders (CEO/COO/CFO)
Function-specific searches in finance, HR, technology, legal, tax, and operations
Leadership assessment and cultural-fit evaluation
Nationwide talent sourcing with accelerated delivery timelines
Why work with Cowen Partners?
Organizations choose Cowen Partners for their speed, precision, and senior-level involvement. Every search is led by a partner, which means strategic oversight throughout the engagement.
3. Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting and executive-search firm, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Los Angeles.
They offer consulting-grade insights into organizational design, leadership development, and talent strategy.
Their executive search helps organizations identify leaders who meet the technical requirements of a role and align with cultural fit and strategic priorities. That also applies to their search for interim roles. They view the alignment of interim jobs as just as crucial as that of retained or contractual executives.
They build “Success Profiles” of skills and mindset, advise on competitive rewards packages, and deploy global networks and data-driven search processes to surface top candidates.
Key Services:
Retained executive search for C-suite and senior leadership
Interim and fractional executive talent supply (interim executives and professionals)
Leadership assessment, succession planning, and talent-strategy consulting
RPO and large-scale project recruitment (e.g., post-merger, transformation hires)
Rewards, compensation-benchmarking, organizational design, and consulting-led talent advisory
Why work with Korn Ferry?
If your organisation is navigating a high-stakes leadership transition, Korn Ferry offers a full suite of capabilities. That includes a global reach, data-driven search, and consulting-level insight into leadership fit and market dynamics.
4. Boyden
Boyden is a global leadership advisory and executive search firm with a global footprint of more than 70 offices across 45+ countries.
With decades of experience, Boyden brings industrial-depth sector insights and a worldwide network. That, in turn, allows them to support critical leadership, interim management, and board-level placements across regions and functions.
They, too, go the extra mile to ensure organizational alignment in every role they help fill. That’s something you can also expect from Alpha Apex.
At Boyden, clients benefit from a dual focus: retained C-suite search and interim/fractional leadership solutions. Here’s what one client had to say about their placed interim CFO:
“The Interim Executive was a skilled navigator who guided us through difficult waters with his keen sense for the necessary changes and laid the foundation for future growth.”
Key Services:
Retained executive search for C-suite and board roles
Interim management and fractional executive placements for leadership gaps, special projects, or transition periods
Leadership advisory services, including talent assessment, succession planning, and board consulting
Sector-specific and functional mandates across industry verticals (manufacturing, healthcare, technology, financial services, private equity, and industrial)
Global research, market intelligence, and benchmarking to support search strategy and candidate sourcing
Why work with Boyden?
Organizations turn to Boyden when they need a partner that combines global scale with local insight, long-term leadership vision with urgent execution capability.
5. True Search
True Search is a fast-growing global executive search firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in Haddonfield, New Jersey. They take a tech-savvy approach to recruitment and headhunting executives, including those in fractional roles.
Unlike traditional search firms, True combines functional expertise with proprietary technology and data analytics to deliver faster, more precise executive matches. That’s similar to our approach at Alpha Apex, where we turn to technology to find the best matches in the shortest time possible.
At the core of True’s model is Thrive, its talent relationship management platform.
Then there’s AboveBoard, a diversity-driven executive community that expands access to underrepresented leaders. These platforms allow clients to access broader, more inclusive talent pipelines while accelerating searches for both permanent and interim executives.
Key Services:
Executive search for C-suite, VP, and senior leadership roles across high-growth sectors
Fractional and interim executive placements for startups and scaling enterprises
Board and investor services, including talent advisory for PE and VC firms
Leadership assessment, diversity, and inclusion consulting via AboveBoard
Talent intelligence and data-driven sourcing through the Thrive platform
Why work with True Search?
True Search is ideal for organizations that want a modern, data-informed, and diversity-driven approach to executive hiring.
6. Keller
Keller Executive Search is a global leadership consulting and executive search firm renowned for their tailored approach to senior-level recruitment. Although headquartered in Switzerland, Keller operates across multiple continents. They are 512-member strong.
They help organizations find top-tier leaders who can drive transformation and growth. Like us, they also have expertise in various verticals, including technology, manufacturing, finance, logistics, media, and more.
They offer a personalized client engagement and an international talent network. You gain access to interim and fractional executives from beyond borders, which only enhances the pool of candidates.
Their interim and fractional executive search practice supports companies undergoing mergers, restructuring, or special projects requiring immediate C-suite leadership.
Key Services:
Retained executive search for C-suite, VP, and Director-level roles across global markets
Interim and fractional executive placement for leadership transitions and transformation initiatives
Leadership advisory services, including succession planning, board assessment, and cultural fit analysis
Talent mapping and market intelligence for proactive workforce planning
Cross-border recruitment for multinational firms expanding into new markets
Why work with Keller?
Keller is well-suited for organizations that want the reach of a global network combined with the flexibility and personalized service of a boutique search partner.
7. StevenDouglas
StevenDouglas is an executive search and interim resources firm with over 35 years of experience in connecting organizations to top leadership and project talent..
What sets StevenDouglas apart is their dual focus on executive search and interim resource solutions.
The firm supports clients across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, private equity, financial services, real estate, and consumer goods.
Their interim management division specializes in placing leaders who can deliver immediate impact. That could mean an interim CFO leading a turnaround, a project-based CHRO managing post-merger integration, or a fractional CTO overseeing digital transformation.
Key Services:
Executive search for permanent placements in C-suite and senior leadership roles
Interim and fractional executive placement for short-term leadership gaps or transformation projects
Project-based consulting for finance, accounting, HR, IT, and operations
Private equity and portfolio company staffing solutions for pre- and post-acquisition phases
Leadership assessment and advisory to support succession planning and organizational development
Why work with StevenDouglas?
If you need interim resources, especially in a consultant capacity to drive transformations or expansion, StevenDouglas can provide a tailored solution.
8. Heidrick & Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles is an executive search and leadership advisory firm. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Chicago, the firm operates in over 50 countries.
They’re known for their rigorous search methodology and focus on leadership quality. Their experts help organizations identify, assess, and develop top executives who can navigate unpredictable business environments.
The firm offers both permanent executive search and interim leadership solutions through its Heidrick Consulting and Heidrick On Demand platforms. The latter connects clients to interim executives and senior consultants capable of leading critical transformation, digital modernization, or post-merger integration initiatives.
Key Services:
Executive search for C-suite, board, and senior leadership roles across industries
Interim executive solutions through the Heidrick On Demand platform
Leadership consulting focused on team effectiveness, succession planning, and organizational culture
Diversity and inclusion advisory to improve representation in executive ranks
Board and CEO advisory services for succession, governance, and performance optimization
Why work with Heidrick & Struggles?
Heidrick & Struggles offers the scale, depth, and credibility of a global market leader, backed by decades of experience advising Boards and C-suites worldwide.
9. Spencer Stuart
Spencer Stuart is a global executive search firm, headquartered in Chicago, with over 70 offices across more than 30 countries.
Their strength lies in their research-driven approach and deep sector specialization. Spencer Stuart partners closely with Boards and CEOs to define leadership roles, evaluate potential successors, and ensure each placement aligns with organizational culture and strategy.
Beyond permanent placements, the firm offers interim and fractional executive solutions through its Leadership Advisory Services. They largely focus on major transitions such as digital transformation, restructuring, or post-acquisition integration.
The firm is also known for their work in CEO succession planning, executive assessment, and organizational effectiveness.
Key Services:
Executive search for CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, and other C-suite and Board roles
Interim executive and fractional leadership for transitional or project-based needs
Leadership advisory services, including talent assessment, coaching, and succession planning
Board and CEO advisory for governance, performance, and succession
Organizational culture assessment and team effectiveness programs
Why work with Spencer Stuart?
Spencer Stuart brings research-backed judgment to executive hiring, succession planning, and transformation initiatives. They are a strong choice for finding executives to oversee significant changes.
Further Reading: Top 10 Fractional CISO Services
10. Caldwell Partners
Caldwell Partners is an executive search and leadership advisory firm headquartered in Toronto, with offices across the US, Europe and the United Kingdom. Founded in 1970, the firm is publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Caldwell offers the personalized attention of a boutique firm with the reach and resources of a global company. The firm’s executive search and interim management practice helps organizations identify high-impact leaders for both permanent and project-based roles.
Caldwell’s IQTalent division, acquired in 2021, has improved their delivery speed and precision by using advanced recruitment analytics, AI-driven candidate sourcing, and on-demand research. This allows Caldwell to serve clients at every stage and corner.
Key Services:
Retained executive search for C-suite and Board positions across industries
Interim executive placement for critical transitions and project-based leadership roles
Leadership advisory and assessment services, including culture and team analysis
Talent mapping and market intelligence for workforce planning
Recruitment analytics and AI-driven sourcing through IQTalent
Why work with Caldwell Partners?
Caldwell Partners can deliver speed, quality, and transparency in equal measure. They have the acumen and the technology to support interim and fractional hires.
How to Choose the Right Fractional and Interim Executive Search Firm
Selecting a fractional or interim executive search firm is a strategic choice that affects business continuity, transformation outcomes, and long-term leadership stability.
You need a partner who can fill the role and provide leadership advisory support, making sure every placement aligns with your mission, culture, and strategic priorities, even when the leader is only with your organization for a limited period.
Here’s a brief guide to choosing the right executive search partner:
Assess Industry Expertise and Functional Depth
Look for firms with proven industry expertise in your business environment. A firm that understands your sector’s operational realities can identify leaders who bring the right technical background and familiarity with its regulatory, financial, and competitive dynamics.
For example, a study has found that 78% of private equity firms say that industry expertise is a crucial factor in executive hiring decisions.
Search firms can specialize in more than one industry. But they should have confidence in that expertise and have distinct partners and specialists for those industries.
Evaluate the Speed and Quality of Placements
Interim executive search must be swift. A strong interim executive search firm should be able to deliver qualified, pre-vetted candidates within weeks or days.
Find out how long it takes to get the first profiles or interviews. Review their track record on time-to-fill, candidate evaluation processes, and post-placement success rates.
Verify the Vetting and Cultural-Fit Process
Leadership transitions fail when cultural misalignment occurs. Choose a firm with a rigorous candidate vetting process, including background checks, talent assessments, and cultural-fit analysis.
Firms that lean on data-driven insights tend to provide the best executive matches that align with company values, leadership style, and stakeholder expectations. Even for an interim or fractional role, culture fit matters. In fact, research shows that 89% of hiring failures happen because of poor cultural fit, not because the candidate lacked the right skills.
Ask about their assessment methodology and whether they use leadership-ready talent frameworks or psychometric analysis.
Confirm Flexibility and Engagement Models
Flexibility is the essence of modern fractional executive recruiting. Your partner should offer scalable models, such as interim-to-hire, project-based, or fractional staffing solutions, so you can adjust leadership capacity as priorities evolve.
Firms that provide both retained executive search and interim management allow you to move seamlessly from short-term stabilization to long-term leadership continuity.
Consider Technology, Transparency, and Reporting
Data powers an effective and quick executive search. Choose a firm that uses technology platforms, analytics, and AI-driven candidate sourcing to ensure transparency and speed. Actually, about 87% of companies now use AI‑driven tools in the recruitment process, highlighting how data‑powered platforms and analytics are becoming standard in sourcing executive‑level talent.
Similarly, transparency in communication and progress reporting creates trust. That’s particularly more important in cases where stakeholders must be satisfied before any appointment.
Find Your Next Interim or Fractional Executive
Your organization’s agility depends on having the right leaders in place–when and where they’re needed most. Fractional and interim executive search firms are indispensable partners for organizations navigating transformation, leadership turnover, or post-merger integration.
And your best bet for getting these executives is a dependable search firm.
Alpha Apex Group is the top choice for businesses seeking fast, high-quality executive placements. We understand the importance of speed and aim to deliver candidate profiles within 72 hours. And our average time-to-fill is 60% faster than the industry average.
Whether you’re looking for a fractional C-suite executive or an interim leader to take charge before you get a permanent one, Alpha Apex Group can be your partner throughout the way.
FAQ
What is a fractional executive?
A fractional executive is a highly experienced senior leader who works with an organization on a part-time, project-based, or contract basis. These professionals bring specialized expertise to manage specific business functions, lead transformations, or fill leadership gaps during periods of transition.
How do fractional and interim executives differ?
While both fractional and interim executives address short-term leadership needs, they differ in scope. Interim executives usually step in full-time for a defined period (for example, during a merger). Fractional executives divide their time among multiple organizations and have specific priorities like marketing strategy, financial restructuring, or technology implementation.
When should a company hire an interim executive?
Companies can consider interim executives for major events, such as leadership turnover, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy recovery, or digital transformation. Interim leaders bring stability and execution speed, which can be good for special projects or business continuity.
How long do interim executive assignments typically last?
Most interim engagements last between three to nine months, depending on the project scope and transition goals. Some evolve into interim-to-hire arrangements, where the interim executive becomes the full-time hire once both sides confirm cultural and strategic alignment.
What industries rely most on fractional and interim leadership?
Fractional and interim executive placements are common in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and private equity. These sectors face rapid growth, regulatory changes, or restructuring, all scenarios that create the need for quick hiring of experienced C-suite officers.
How much do fractional or interim executives cost?
Compensation for fractional or interim execs varies by role, experience, and engagement model. Fractional executives typically charge an hourly or monthly retainer. Interim executives are paid on a daily or project basis.
