In 2012, while supporting senior executives navigating career transitions, I suggested the concept of pursuing a portfolio career. At the time, the idea was met with considerable hesitation. Many leaders expressed concern that frequent role changes might be viewed unfavourably—potentially signalling a lack of suitability for permanent leadership positions.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. The interim executive market has undergone a remarkable transformation, with COVID acting as a key catalyst. Increasingly, senior leaders are making a conscious decision to embrace portfolio careers—drawn by the flexibility, diversity, and sense of purpose these roles offer. Conversely, organisations are recognising the deep functional and sector expertise these leaders bring as invaluable, as they continue to navigate unprecedented economic and geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological disruption, and shifting workforce dynamics.

Today, interim leaders are no longer on the sidelines—they are embedded in transformation, governance, and turnaround initiatives. With more than 90% of interim assignments now at the C-suite level, it’s evident that this model has become a strategic cornerstone for forward-thinking organisations.

WHATS DRIVING THE DEMAND IN 2025?

CEO & C-SUITE DEPARTURES – SUCCESSION PLANNING

The surge in C-suite interim leadership in 2025 stems largely from an unexpected wave of CEO departures and the ripple effect that generally follows through the Executive Leadership Team.  Many departures were unplanned.  With only a third anticipated, boards have faced sudden leadership gaps and mounting pressure on governance. Rather than rushing into permanent appointments – often under pressure and with mixed outcomes – organisations are now opting for seasoned interim C-Suite executives who bring stability, credibility, and strategic foresight. These leaders do more than bridge transitions—they shape the role, set the tone for what’s next, and lay the groundwork for their successor’s success.

TRANSFORMATION, DIGITAL ACCELERATION & AI – A WHOLE OF C-SUITE MANDATE

While Interim Chief Transformation and Information Officers are increasingly engaged to bridge capability gaps and accelerate AI, data, and cybersecurity adoption –  the mandate spans the entire C-suite. Every executive is now expected to lead with agility, embed AI into core strategies and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Chief Executive Officers – are driving transformation agendas at speed
• Chief Financial Officers are pioneering AI adoption in finance
• Chief People Officers are evolving workforce strategies to integrate AI and leverage people analytics
• Chief Risk Officers are integrating digital and operational risk frameworks, especially in highly regulated sectors such as insurance and financial services.

Where capability gaps exist, Interim Executives are stepping in – reskilling to stay at the forefront of innovation and delivering outcomes. In this climate, the value of immediately available, agile leadership has never been clearer.  Interim talent is no longer a reactive fix – it’s a strategic imperative.

Whether it’s filling a critical role, driving transformation, scaling operations or crisis management Interim Executives offer a flexible and cost-effective solution.

JOHNSON PARTNERS INTERIM EXECUTIVE PRACTICE

I am delighted to be leading the Interim Executive Practice at Johnson Partners.

Our Interim Practice is designed to meet the growing demand for immediate and agile leaders —placing seasoned C-Suite and Senior Executives across all functions and industries throughout Australasia.

Our model is agile, responsive and deeply personal – with the freedom to adapt and the conviction to give honest advice. We use technology to create measurable value for clients and enable hyper-efficient delivery of assignments.

We care deeply about getting it right. We care deeply about the broader impact we can have. This shows in how we listen, how we partner, and how we show up – consistently, without compromise.

With a 20-year track record across ASX + NZX-listed, private, and PE-backed organisations—and a collaborative, partner-led, sector-specialist team across Australia and New Zealand—our vision is simple: to advance leadership across the region.

If you would like to explore how we can assist you match the right leader to the moment please reach out to Lisa McAuliffe, Partner, Interim Executive Practice – [email protected]