How an interim manager drove forward the transformation of global marketing at a world market leader in sensor and automation technology
Due to a sudden change in leadership in the global marketing department of an internationally active family-owned company, an experienced interim manager was hired to ensure continuity and drive forward a strategic realignment. This project story shows how HANSE interim manager Stefan Haak mastered the challenge and successfully guided the company through this critical phase.
The starting point: change of leadership in a critical phase
In the dynamic world of the industrial market for sensor and automation technology, the family-owned company is one of the global market leaders. With over 2,500 employees and 25 subsidiaries worldwide, including in the US, China, and Europe, the company is known for its innovative strength and vertical integration.
The family-owned company was suddenly faced with a challenge: the position of Head of Global Marketing was suddenly vacant. It was crucial to ensure continuity at the management level. The company decided to use an interim manager for the first time to bridge this challenging phase.
The task: ensuring stability and transformation
Stefan Haak, an experienced B2B marketing expert, was appointed as interim manager. His main tasks were to drive forward the ongoing transformation of the division into a matrix organization and to maintain the functionality of the global marketing team. In addition to organizational restructuring, the task was to strengthen the marketing team and develop a global strategy for consistent brand presence. Haak’s role also included supporting the company’s strategic marketing orientation and searching for a permanent candidate for the position of Head of Global Marketing.
The main objectives and challenges included
- Maintaining the function of the department
- Ensuring short-term efficiency in the marketing team
- Developing and implementing global marketing strategies and coordinating with subsidiaries to ensure more consistent market development and brand presence.
- Developing and defining the company’s new positioning and developing an implementation strategy.
- Drive forward ongoing and new projects to improve performance in global marketing in the position of Head of Global Marketing, while finding a suitable successor as quickly as possible.
The solution: The transformation process with targeted measures to increase efficiency
Stefan Haak first analyzed the existing marketing processes and quickly implemented necessary optimizations. He relied on close cooperation with the HR department to attract new talent and strengthen existing teams. By implementing the planned matrix organization, the teams were restructured and relocated to new office spaces in accordance with the team division.
Through close cooperation with the HR department and local managers, I was able to successfully manage the introduction of the matrix organization.
Stefan G. Haak
Particularly impressive was the rapid gain of approval and cooperation in the implementation of the goals. A special focus was placed on standardizing global marketing planning and optimizing communication with subsidiaries. Haak also led employee development workshops to prepare the team specifically for the new challenges.
The result: stable leadership and strategic realignment
The results were not long in coming: the new structures and processes led to improved strategic alignment and stronger cooperation between global marketing functions. Marketing planning was standardized and successfully coordinated with the subsidiaries, enabling the global rollout of campaigns to be optimized.
Thanks to Haak’s work as interim manager, the global marketing team not only experienced a period of stability, but was also able to realign itself strategically. Tasks and effectiveness in global cooperation were strengthened.
With the interim manager’s help in screening, evaluating, and selecting executives for the global marketing position, a suitable candidate was finally found and recruited for the family business.
This strategic personnel decision is making a big difference in further strengthening the company’s global market position.
Conclusion: Interim management as a success factor in transformation processes
In his role as interim manager, Haak demonstrated how important agile and strategic support is in times of change.
Through targeted and effective support, continuity in global marketing was ensured and important strategic changes were initiated within the company-wide change process.
His measures and successes offer valuable insights into the transformation of a globally active family business and the contribution that an experienced interim manager can make in overcoming the challenges of bridging a vacancy.
Even though this was a first for the company, the advantages of flexible and short-term management solutions, which can support the successful management of transition phases and contribute to the effective implementation of strategic changes, were quickly recognized.
What challenges have you solved in your company through interim management?
Feel free to share your experiences and opinions in the comments or contact us directly to find out how HANSE Interim can support you in your next steps!
With best regards
Your HANSE Interim Management
Andreas Lau
