Toronto-based executive interim management firm xNorth has joined Valtus Alliance, an international network of leading interim management companies, as the rapidly expanding sector continues to consolidate amid double-digit growth rates.

The move comes as the global executive interim management market, now valued at more than €8bn, experiences annual growth of 10-15 per cent driven by increasing corporate demand for flexible leadership solutions during periods of transformation and crisis.

Strategic expansion into 21 markets

Valtus Alliance operates across 21 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. The network maintains a pool of more than 60,000 interim managers worldwide.

"Companies need flexibility, leadership, and the right skills, at the right time to solve complex challenges," said Aymeric Bas, managing partner international and chief revenue officer at Valtus. "Our well-trained executives can step in to develop, restructure, or conduct a turnaround in any type of company, either in big groups, SMEs, or even start-ups."

The alliance model reflects broader trends in professional services, where firms are increasingly forming strategic partnerships to serve multinational clients requiring consistent service delivery across multiple jurisdictions.

Market dynamics driving growth

The interim management sector has benefited from several structural shifts in corporate behaviour. Companies are increasingly reluctant to commit to permanent senior hires during uncertain economic periods, while digital transformation initiatives and regulatory changes create demand for specialised expertise on temporary assignments.

Benoit Creneau, president and chief executive of xNorth, said the partnership would enable the firm to "deliver high-value services to our clients locally and globally" while expanding into new international markets. The company is targeting its first cross-border assignment through the alliance.

XNorth has positioned itself as "a leading pure-play executive interim management firm" in Canada, working with owners, boards and chief executives to strengthen leadership teams during transformation, growth and crisis periods.

Alliance structure and coverage

Valtus Alliance members include CE Interim covering Slovakia and Czech Republic, Clareza Partners in Japan, Cognisium in Australia, Duke and Kay in Italy, and Epunto Interim Management spanning Spain and Peru. Other participants include Incepto in Norway, Management Factory in Austria, Noble House in India, and Nordic Interim across Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

The network also encompasses Radialis in Singapore, STM in Italy, Telos Transition in Brazil, Think consulting in the United States, Valpeo covering Belgium and the Netherlands, Valtus DE in Germany, Valtus France, and Valtus UK.

Industry observers note that such alliance structures allow smaller national players to compete more effectively against larger international consulting firms while maintaining local market expertise and relationships.

The interim management sector's growth trajectory appears sustainable as corporations continue to prioritise operational flexibility over traditional hiring models, particularly in senior leadership roles where cultural fit and immediate impact are critical success factors.

Source: CNW Group/XNORTH INC press release, September 4, 2024