20 years Interim Management Worldwide
Building a Global Network Through Collaboration and Vision
Interim Management Worldwide (IMW) stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and visionary leadership. Founded 20 years ago through the collective efforts of key figures like Maurizio Quarta and Bodo Blanke, IMW has grown into a formidable network in the interim management industry, with almost 30 partners with more than 60 offices worldwide.
Origins and Early Development
The inception of IMW dates back to early discussions between Bodo, Maurizio and influential leaders like Bill Penney. As Maurizio recalls, “Bill and I were already engaged in discussions with a German and French company. Our meeting at the Sheraton laid the foundation for what would become Senior Management Europe.” This initial collaboration quickly evolved, as Bodo and Maurizio brought their expertise and contacts to the table.
Strategic Expansion
Bodo, reflecting on his role at the time, mentioned, “I was responsible for human resources in Europe at Honeywell Automotive and had aspirations of starting my own company. In 2000, I joined AC Alpha Management as a partner and was appointed Managing Director. At that time, interim managers were mainly used as “firefighters”. Interim management was not yet established. But I recognized the potential. Based on my international experience and with the knowledge that Germany is an export nation, I wanted to establish an international interim management partnership.”
“Through my contacts in England, I heard about Bill Penney, the founder of AshtonPenney, the largest interim provider in the UK at the time. I called him and we arranged to meet in London at his company. Bill really impressed me and we agreed to stay in touch. Then I met Olivier Spire, the founder of QuinCadres in France. After that, we met several times in different configurations, also with Maurizio.”
“In 2004, we met in London and founded Senior Management Europe. A short time later, our first US partner joined us and we renamed our partnership Senior Management International. We called our partnership Senior Management because the term “interim” was not yet so established at the time. But nowadays the world knows what interim is about, so we changed it this year in Interim Management Worldwide!”
Building a Strong Foundation
Maurizio emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in IMW’s growth. “Establishing good personal contacts was crucial. This wasn’t just about business; it was about building a family-like network.” Bodo adds, “Our strength lies in the diversity and cohesion of our team. We’ve always aimed for cross-border business and the exchange of experiences among partners.”
Challenges and Growth
Despite the initial hurdles, IMW’s strategy of steady and quality-focused growth paid off. Maurizio notes, “Our breakthrough came in 2012 with the establishment of the Dutch legal entity. This move formalized our structure and governance, allowing us to expand thoughtfully and strategically.”
The Role of Interim Management
The interim management landscape has evolved significantly. “The service itself remains the same – providing high-quality solutions quickly,” says Maurizio. Bodo adds, “There is now greater awareness and use of interim management among SMEs, and it’s no longer just for turnaround situations but also for positive projects like expanding international lines of business.”
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, both leaders see continuous growth and adaptation as key. Bodo envisions more cross-border business, stating, “We’re looking to provide not just individual managers but entire teams for international projects.” Maurizio agrees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and expanding their global presence thoughtfully.
Interim Management Worldwide’s journey from a concept to a global powerful network with almost 30 partners worldwide underscores the importance of vision, collaboration, and strategic growth. As Bodo succinctly puts it, “We are more than just a network; we are a family, united by our commitment to excellence and innovation.”
About the Interviewees
Maurizio Quarta and Bodo Blanke are key figures in the interim management industry, known for their strategic insights and leadership. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in the success and growth of Interim Management Worldwide.