From AI transformation and geopolitical challenges to the growth of M&A activity, most organizations today are facing a number of competing priorities. This reality has prompted some to bring on interim leaders and specialized experts who have the “leadership, capacity, execution discipline and capabilities that organizations need to sustain business momentum and move complex work forward,” according to a new study by executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.

The organization recently published its annual report, based on proprietary data from clients, which focuses on what firms are looking for in interim leaders and experts and what that suggests about their priorities.

Which skills are on the rise?

The report finds the skills that are most currently in demand include:

• financial control, accounting and audit;
• project management;
• financial planning, analysis and modeling;
• program management office; and
• process optimization and transformation.

It also identified the skills with the fastest-growing momentum, such as advanced analytics, which grew by 350%; brand strategy, up 333%; and digital marketing, which grew by 180%.

The mandate for interim leaders

Together, the skills data point to a number of emerging priorities for organizations turning to interim leaders and experts. Chief among them is that companies are looking for talent to help orchestrate change at scale. With AI transformation, regulatory changes and more coming fast, companies need leaders who can “establish the governance, coordination and execution discipline needed to keep complex initiatives moving without permanently expanding the organization.”

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