Appointing an Interim Senior Leadership Team to Stabilise a Renewable Energy Transition Program and Guide its Successful Transition to a Dedicated Agency
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a state-wide environmental authority to appoint an Interim Senior Leadership Team for a renewable energy program undergoing a major organisational transition.
The program faced reputational and financial risks and required experienced leaders to translate policy into actionable outcomes, navigate complex organisational changes, and stabilise operations during a period of significant transformation.
The appointed roles included:
- Interim Executive Director, Business Systems and Operations
- Interim Director of Communications
- Interim Program Director, Risk and Assurance
Each role demanded expertise in public sector program management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.
Increase in General Management Skills
According to the American Management Association, only 14% of businesses consider themselves “well prepared” to handle a sudden loss in senior management. Add to that the fact that it takes at least four months to fill an executive role, and an Interim Executive experienced in operations makes a lot of sense!
Increase in Customer Experience Skills
These days experience is everything. What truly makes for a good experience? Speed. Convenience. Consistency. Friendliness. And human touch. Our Interim Executives deliver a great experience while improving your customer experience!
Increase in People & Culture Skills
Organisations are constantly changing as they respond to internal and external pressures. Continual process improvement can enable team engagement and lead to growth. Interim Executives bring fresh eyes and effective industry best practice to the execution.
Increase in Data Analytics
Complex challenges require critical thinking and in the age of information-overwhelm it is imperative to have analytical minds at the table. These skills range across finance, data science, systems and more. An Interim Executive can be the right person to optimise your inputs to maximise your output.
The Process
Future Leadership™ implemented a targeted interim executive search strategy to meet the urgent leadership needs of the program:
- Consultation: Conducted in-depth discussions with the client to understand program objectives, leadership gaps, and strategic challenges.
- Targeted Search: Leveraged our network of senior public sector executives with expertise in government programs, risk management, and operational leadership.
- Rigorous Assessment: Evaluated candidates through competency-based interviews focusing on their ability to:
- Translate complex policy into practical and impactful outcomes.
- Establish governance structures and processes to mitigate risks.
- Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders under tight deadlines.
- Seamless Placement: Appointed a high-performing interim team with sector-specific expertise:
- Executive Director, Business Systems and Operations: Strengthened operational systems and customer experience strategies.
- Director of Communications: Enhanced reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
- Program Director, Risk and Assurance: Ensured financial compliance and governance integrity.
Future Leadership provided onboarding support to ensure the interim team’s rapid alignment with program goals and expectations.
Emerging Capabilities
Governance and Compliance
Establishes, champions, and measures the effectiveness of an organisation’s regulatory and reporting systems.
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrates positivity and agility in navigating change, high-pressure environments, and organisational transformation.
Stakeholder Relations
Builds and sustains trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust.
Critical Thinking
Gathers and examines diverse data points, presenting well-reasoned insights and reframing challenges to achieve strategic goals.
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategic initiatives, aligning program goals with broader organisational objectives and long-term vision.
The Outcome
The appointed Interim Senior Leadership Team delivered exceptional results, including:
- Program Stabilisation: Addressed immediate risks and ensured seamless operations during the transition to a dedicated agency.
- Governance Improvements: Established robust governance frameworks, enhancing compliance, transparency, and accountability.
- Operational Efficiency: Delivered measurable improvements in systems and processes, streamlining program delivery and customer experience.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, bolstering program reputation and community confidence.
Following the interim assignments, Future Leadership supported the appointment of the program’s permanent leadership team, with one interim leader transitioning to a permanent role. The client commended the interim team for exceeding expectations and establishing a foundation for long-term success.
