The IIMC2025 Cologne Transcript.

The Morning Session

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 by Dr. Thomas Schneider (EIM Group)

Dr. Thomas Schneider (EIM Group) delivered a powerful keynote on the evolving strategic role of interim managers across Europe. He explored critical themes including ambidextrous leadership, the influence of geopolitical and regulatory shifts, and the rising importance of cultural intelligence. Drawing on real-world examples from the automotive and FMCG sectors, Dr. Schneider illustrated how interim leaders are helping organizations achieve operational excellence while driving long-term transformation.

A timely reminder: interim leadership is no longer just about bridging gaps — it's about delivering sustainable value and shaping the future

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 by Jonathan Selby (Founding Chairman of INIMA)

The physical isolation of the COVID lockdown gave rise to a vision that transcended borders. While movement was restricted and the world stood still, the idea of INIMA – the International Network of Interim Manager Associations – was born. What began as a personal need to mentally escape confinement evolved into a professional mission: to connect interim management communities across Europe and beyond. INIMA is more than a network. It represents a shared belief that interim executives thrive on transformation, collaboration, and agility

What started in isolation has become in IIMC2025 a platform for international connection.

Jonathan Selby shared the perspectives of practicing European interim managers, touching on trends from the 2025 European Interim Manager Survey, the demographics of interim managers and their typical clients, and key insights into assignments, including day rates, utilization, sales channels, and common challenges

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

Country-specific perspectives from leading national associations

Germany , DDIM Chairwoman Marei Strack
A modest recovery in Germany’s interim market is expected in 2025. DDIM forecasts rising demand and higher day rates. Key success factors include self-marketing, business development, AI, specialisation, networking, and digital transformation.

France , Jean-Philippe Menetret (Réseau alumni AE-CMT | Anciens Elèves du Certificat de Management de Transition de Dauphine | IFMT)
To elevate the interim management profession in France, there is professional certification, continuous education with emerging trends like AI, ESG, and geopolitics – establishing itself as a national leader and active international partner within INIMA.

United Kingdom, Dr Stephen McCormac (IIM Institute of Interum Management)

Unfortunately, Stephen was unable to attend the conference due to a fire at Heathrow Airport—continuing INIMA’s curious tradition of losing at least one member at every event. Last year, it was Steffen Steckbauer who was stopped by a snowstorm on the Brenner Pass.

With the UK market remaining soft due to political uncertainty, reduced public sector spending, and economic headwinds in 2025, interims face fewer opportunities, increased competition, pressure on day rates, and longer gaps between often shorter assignments—making the IIM’s role in supporting and advocating for its members more vital than ever.

Spain , Francisco Páez (AIME Interim Management)
Accurate market data and international collaboration are essential to strengthening Spain’s interim management sector and aligning it with broader European standards.

Italy , Fabio Montefiori (Leading Network – Associazione Italiana Temporary Manager Network)
Professionalisation, training, and strategic insight are essential for interim managers to remain relevant. Italy’s Leading Network is leading this charge through certification, education, and international collaboration.

Poland ,Stanislaw Wojnicki, SW Mentoring (Stowarzyszenie Interim Managers SIM)
SIM is driving interim management in Poland through certification, surveys, and standards, with strong demand across industry, services, and state-owned enterprises in a growing, diversified economy.

Czech Republic , Pavel Pačes (Česká asociace interim managementu – CAIM)
While the Czech interim market faces challenges like industrial decline, bureaucracy, and a saturated talent pool, it also offers opportunities , especially in crisis management, defense, and optimisation, where certified, experienced interim managers can deliver real value.

Portugal , Maarten van Lelyveld (AIM | Associação Interim Management Portugal)
Portugal’s interim management market is gaining momentum, with AIM focused on raising awareness, building trust in the profession, and fostering international partnerships. Key priorities include professional development, clear standards, and the integration of interim leadership into both private and public sector transformation efforts.

𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 by Manoj George (Valtus Deutschland)

After the presentation a panel discussion was moderated by DDIM Board Member Rafael Apélian with the participation of Manoj George, Dr. Thomas Schneider, and DDIM Member Ulvi I. Aydin.

A data-rich and forward-looking presentation on the dynamics of the global interim market. The numbers speak volumes: a €16 billion global interim market, with €6 billion in executive interim alone. Growing at 10–15% annually, it is disrupting both management consulting and executive search by combining the best of both worlds.

Manoj identified several powerful drivers fueling this growth: the need for speed of execution, increasing impatience among owners, demand for hands-on implementation, the rise of independent talent, global scalability, and accelerating technology adoption.

A compelling reminder: interim is not an alternative – it’s a strategic choice

The Afternoon Session (to follow)