Interim Head of Finance Business Partnering

Client

Gyldendal A/S

Position

Interim Head of Finance Business Partnering

Duration

4 months

The Situation

We were in a period of many changes and transitions – among others due to some challenges on the personnel front, including a number of resignations earlier in the year. We had to part ways with a manager, and new employees had recently joined the Business Partnering team. At the same time, I was relatively new in my own role and did not have the time nor the resources to act as the interim leader of the team.

Our Requirements
We needed an experienced, capable, and people-oriented leader who could step in quickly and take charge with confidence to help and support the team. The assignment was twofold: To handle the operational tasks connected with the function while also stabilizing and leading a team of 5 employees.

Our long-term objective was to appoint a permanent Head of Finance Business Partnering. However, to maintain momentum, get specific tasks done, and to consolidate and motivate the team, we required an experienced leader to step in immediately.

The Solution
I have previously worked with interim management firms and know it is an effective solution. We needed the right setup – also short term.

We chose Nextt Management because I know their owner, Christian Hvashøj, and have full confidence in him and what he stands for. Their pricing is also very fair.

For this interim role, Christian recommended some very capable candidates, and the candidate chosen for the position as interim Head of Finance Business Partnering was a very good match to us.

The interim candidate quickly delivered results – managing concrete, hands-on tasks while also stabilizing and strengthening the team. Even within a short period of time, the interim candidate succeeded in bringing the team together and ensure commitment and a feeling of purpose. Through one-to-one conversations, everyone was heard, key challenges were addressed, and clear short-term plans were made.
As part of the agreement, a one-month overlap between the interim Head of Finance Business Partnering and the permanent Finance Business Partnering was enacted, and this ensured a smooth handover and extensive transfer of knowledge.

Interim: Top 3

1. Quick and Effective

It’s a fast and efficient solution. Within just a few days, you have a skilled leader in place who meets all requirements.

2. High Value Creation

When the match between the company and the candidate is right, the value added is significant. Therefore, it is essential to work with an interim management firm with the right talent pool to ensure strong matches.

3. A Stable Foundation

An interim leader can make sure that tasks and challenges are handled, so the permanent leader does not have to step into a burning platform. The interim professional can create a seamless transition, allowing the permanent leader to focus on strategy and concrete tasks rather than crisis management during the onboarding period.

About Gyldendal A/S

Gyldendal A/S comprises two main publishing divisions: Gyldendal Forlag, which publishes literature for the general book market, and Gyldendal Uddannelse, which develops educational materials for all levels of the Danish education system. Gyldendal A/S also includes Nordic subsidiaries providing tutoring services, digital learning materials, and children’s books. Approximately 425 employees work at the company’s headquarters in central Copenhagen.