Introduction
Leadership transitions, rapid growth, and organizational change expose people leadership gaps quickly. A senior HR leader exits unexpectedly, a company enters a period of restructuring, or workforce complexity outpaces internal capacity. In these moments, the cost of waiting is high.
An interim CHRO provides immediate, full-time people leadership when continuity, execution, and authority cannot be deferred.
Interim CHROs step in during critical periods to stabilize teams, manage risk, and guide organizations through change while leadership evaluates long-term needs.
What Is an Interim CHRO?
An interim CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is a senior people executive who temporarily assumes full responsibility for the HR function. Unlike fractional CHROs, who operate part-time over a longer horizon, interim CHROs are embedded full-time with clear executive authority.
They are brought in to address urgency – not to advise from the sidelines.
Key distinctions
Interim CHRO vs Full-Time CHRO
Interim CHROs are full-time but time-bound, providing immediate leadership without a permanent hire.
Interim CHRO vs Fractional CHRO
Fractional CHROs provide ongoing, part-time leadership. Interim CHROs take full ownership during defined transitions when intensity and speed matter most.
Interim CHRO vs HR Consultant
Consultants advise. Interim CHROs lead teams, make decisions, and execute.
In practice:
A company undergoing restructuring or preparing for acquisition may engage an interim CHRO to stabilize leadership, address risk, manage sensitive people issues, and prepare the organization for its next phase.
What Does an Interim CHRO Do?
Interim CHROs are brought in to own outcomes during periods of disruption. Their work typically focuses on four areas:
Stabilize People Operations
- Assume executive ownership of HR leadership
- Maintain continuity across teams, systems, and processes
- Address immediate performance, engagement, or compliance issues
Lead Through Transition
- Manage organizational change, restructuring, or integration
- Support executive and leadership transitions
- Restore clarity, accountability, and alignment across teams
Reduce Risk and Ensure Compliance
- Identify and mitigate people, legal, and compliance risks
- Strengthen policies, documentation, and governance
- Lead employee relations and sensitive situations
Prepare for What Comes Next
- Strengthen or rebuild HR infrastructure where needed
- Document decisions, processes, and institutional knowledge
- Support the search for and transition to permanent leadership
When Is an Interim CHRO the Right Choice?
An interim CHRO is typically the right solution when:
- A CHRO or senior HR leader exits unexpectedly
- The organization is undergoing restructuring or rapid change
- Workforce complexity or compliance risk increases sharply
- A merger, acquisition, or integration requires experienced leadership
- Leadership needs time to identify the right long-term hire
For funds, interim CHROs are often deployed to stabilize portfolio companies during leadership gaps or high-risk transitions.
Benefits of Hiring an Interim CHRO
Interim CHROs are engaged to solve urgent problems with speed and authority.
Key benefits include:
- Immediate access to senior people leadership
- Full-time focus during critical periods
- Reduced disruption during executive transitions
- Experienced guidance through complex organizational change
Interim CHRO vs Alternatives
Interim CHRO vs Fractional CHRO
- Interim CHROs are full-time and time-bound
- Fractional CHROs are part-time and ongoing
Interim CHRO vs HR Consultant
- Consultants advise
- Interim CHROs execute and lead with authority
Interim CHRO vs HR Manager
- HR managers run day-to-day processes
- Interim CHROs provide executive leadership and oversight
Summary
Role | Scope | Engagement | Best For |
Interim CHRO | Leadership + Execution | Full-time, short-term | Transitions and change |
Fractional CHRO | Leadership + Ongoing Execution | Part-time, ongoing | Scaling organizations |
HR Consultant | Advisory | Project-based | Specific initiatives |
HR Manager | Execution | Full-time | Ongoing operations |
Why Choose SIZE for Interim CHRO Support
Interim leadership requires speed, credibility, and judgment. SIZE is built to deliver all three.
- Rapid access to seasoned people leaders
- Experience supporting founders, executives, and funds
- A network designed to step into complex situations with confidence
Work With an Interim CHRO
When people leadership gaps threaten momentum, waiting is not an option. An interim CHRO provides immediate stability and experienced leadership during critical moments.
Book a Call to discuss interim people leadership support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an interim CHRO?
An interim CHRO is a senior HR executive who temporarily assumes full-time responsibility for people leadership during transitions or periods of change.
How long does an interim CHRO engagement last?
Engagements typically last several months, depending on organizational needs and transition timelines.
When should a company choose an interim CHRO over a fractional CHRO?
When full-time, hands-on leadership is required immediately due to urgency, risk, or transition.