An interim CEO is an experienced executive hired to temporarily fill a leadership gap within a company, often during times of transition or crisis, such as after the sudden departure of a permanent CEO. Their tenure is typically short-term, ranging from a few months to a year, and they are tasked with guiding the company through a specific period or challenge, such as leading a turnaround, driving growth, or entering new markets. In Saudi Arabia, interim management, including interim CEOs, is becoming increasingly relevant due to the fast-moving environment and the need for agile leadership, particularly for large-scale projects like "Giga-projects" and the establishment of regional headquarters. Interim executives in Saudi Arabia are also utilized for "Saudization" and knowledge transfer, where they manage a function while mentoring and training a Saudi national successor.
