Success story · November 2025
Interim Chief Executive (CEO) as a driving force for profitability and modernisation in the retail sector
A five-month project to lead the transformation of processes and restore the profitability of the Southern Europe division.
Client and Sector: Our client, a leading company in the retail sector with international operations in Southern Europe, was experiencing a period of operational stagnation that was having a direct impact on its profitability.
The Situation / Need (The Pain): The organisation was facing a critical challenge: the need to modernise its operational and strategic processes in order to turn around a complex situation and restore profitability in one of its key regions. They required immediate executive leadership with proven experience in transformation (Accountability), capable of making decisions and implementing a rapid-response plan from day one within a multinational environment.
The EPUNTO Approach and Solution (The Methodology): EPUNTO deployed, in less than two weeks, an interim manager from our pool of executive talent to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive (CEO) for the region. This project was managed as a cross-border assignment in collaboration with our Valtus Alliance partner in France.
Over a period of five months, and under the supervision and mentorship of Patricio Gil Olmedo, a Partner at EPUNTO, the executive joined the management committee with clear objectives: to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the business model and to lead the implementation of a strategic action plan. The project focused on analysing the structure and roles of the local and global teams, optimising key processes, and defining an action plan which was implemented in record time following its approval by the global CEO.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main challenge in this project?
The challenge was to modernise complex processes and restore profitability across a vast international region, in an environment that left no room for a learning curve. A ‘plug-and-play’ executive was needed to deliver immediate strategic solutions.
Why was an interim manager chosen rather than a traditional recruitment process?
Speed and international expertise were critical. The client could not wait the 6–9 months required by a standard recruitment process for a regional CEO role. They needed top-tier talent, who were overqualified for the role, to deliver measurable results in the short term (5 months).
What was the most significant impact during the first 90 days?
In the first quarter, our Interim Manager succeeded in completing the assessment of the situation, carrying out a full onboarding process with the local and global teams, and defining and validating the strategic action plan with the global CEO, thereby laying the foundations for the immediate implementation of the transformation.
How did EPUNTO ensure the transfer of knowledge at the end of the mission?
Our methodology includes a structured exit plan. The Interim Manager documented all the new processes and the action plan, and worked closely with the local management team and the global CEO to ensure the long-term sustainability of the improvements and a smooth leadership transition.
What unique feature did EPUNTO bring to this solution?
Cross-border capability, managing the project from Spain for Southern Europe in collaboration with Valtus France. We provide an Interim Managing Director with proven experience in turnaround and modernisation within the retail sector, ensuring not only technical expertise but also the soft skills required to align stakeholders across multiple countries.
