An Expert Discussion – Condensed for You: Georg Larch (Managing Partner, XQI Interim Partner) and Ulvi Aydin (Founder & CEO, AYCON/Ameritum and XQI Executive Circle Partner) in conversation on February 17, 2026.
The Current Market: Half Full or Half Empty?
The honest answer: It depends on where you look. 2026 is neither a boom nor a collapse—but the mood feels worse than reality. A “wind chill effect”: Perception is colder than the facts.
- A slower-than-expected start to the year The usual post-year-end demand surge in finance and reporting didn’t materialize. This creates the feeling that “nothing is happening”—yet many projects are underway, just more selectively and with longer decision cycles.
- Decision-making has become more complex Where once a board member and their assistant might have decided quickly, today many initiatives pass through procurement, purchasing, or additional committees. Time-to-decision has significantly increased.
- Demand comes from two directions:
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- Problem situations (stabilization, liquidity, restructuring—especially in sectors like automotive, where even payments are closely monitored).
- Growth areas (scale-ups, infrastructure projects, where capacity and execution are priorities).
Key Industries in Focus
- Challenging: Automotive (though stabilization niches exist).
- Dynamic: Energy (electrification, power supply—supply chains and capacities are booked for years), cloud, aviation, defense, robotics.
- AI as a driver: No longer a buzzword but a real transformation lever. Companies use AI for process redesign and productivity gains, creating new mandates that internal teams can’t cover.
XQI: Why a Strategic Realignment—and What It Means
XQI isn’t a new company—it’s a strategic evolution. The focus: Premium Executive Interim Management with a clear quality standard.
The Vision:
“To be a relevant player in the premium segment—convincing both interim executives and clients: These are the people I want to work with.”
This isn’t about “everything for everyone” but about:
- Target group: First and second leadership levels.
- Focus areas: Transformation, restructuring, post-merger integration (PMI).
- Exclusion: Classic low-budget staffing.
The Network Approach: Why Personality Outweighs Profiles
“There are situations where the perfect ‘LucaNet-in-machinery-with-€77M-revenue’ profile isn’t the deciding factor—but whether someone fits as a personality, change leader, and leadership type.”
This requires real proximity—not just three calls a year. XQI relies on a selective, manageable network that enables trust and precision.
Why this matters now:
With more supply (more interim managers entering the market), competition is intensifying. Quality, fit, and trust become differentiators—especially in the premium segment.
What’s Changed—and What It Means for You
The market is denser—and more opaque.
A decade ago, there were fewer players, fewer platforms, less dynamism. Today, roles come from many channels—not just a few large providers. Every new entrant brings their own network and access. This means:
- More competition, but also more total volume.
- A shifting provider landscape: Private equity money is flowing into the sector (with risks of growth pressure and poor decisions), succession issues, and shareholder conflicts are increasing.
Contract models are becoming more complex.
Once standardized, today they’re diverse:
- Partnerships with mandatory processing via the firm.
- Structures with licensing fees.
- Multi-tiered margins that make projects expensive for clients.
→ Practical tip: Read contracts carefully—especially as a manager, because licenses, margins, and liability significantly impact your economic reality.
Positioning isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a survival strategy.
The experts’ recommendation: Focus, don’t scatter.
- Not: Hoping to be found on seven platforms.
- Instead: Strategically decide which partners to work with—and who should know you as a person (leadership, mindset, strengths).
- Clarity is key: Your CV should immediately show what you stand for (roles, industries, scale). LinkedIn is mandatory—this is where professional impressions are formed.
Industry changes are possible—but more demanding.
They work best when:
- The client knows you well.
- The fit is truly understood.
- You’re not competing in an anonymous pitch with five candidates.
Example Automotive: Traditionally tough for outsiders—but possible with a strong network and clear value proposition.
Day Rates, References, and Uncomfortable Truths
“The market is bad”—is that true?
No, not across the board. Counter-indicator: For large, demanding roles, the “top candidates” are often already engaged. The market isn’t collapsed—but distribution and speed have changed.
Day Rates: What’s Realistic?
- No one-size-fits-all rate. Standardized roles face pressure.
- Premium segment: The former “€2,000 ceiling” is no longer the absolute limit.
- Decisive factors: Context (complexity, leverage, value creation, timeframe).
- Private equity contexts: Value contribution can often be well-argued with EBITDA logic.
- Warning: Maximizing rates harms long-term relationships. Open dialogue usually leads to fair solutions.
References and Testimonials: More Important Than Ever
- Plausibility check: Professional providers verify degrees and credentials—especially with “creatively interpreted” CVs.
- Digital impression: When you’re Googled, credible testimonials build trust—and help clients assess fit.
Outlook 2026: Three Takeaways for Your Business
- The market is in flux—but not as bad as it feels.
- Demand exists in problem situations and growth areas.
- International dynamics (U.S., China) are pulling European projects along.
- Decision processes take longer—plan for patience.
- Pipeline management is critical.
- AI and efficiency topics are driving change projects—companies can’t handle them alone.
- Positioning is everything.
- Question for you: Which submarket do you operate in? Which multipliers know you—and what you stand for?
- Interim management isn’t a stopgap—it’s an entrepreneurial decision. Those who approach it half-heartedly (“until I find a permanent role”) won’t succeed in a tougher market.
Final Word: Why Personality Decides Everything
“In change situations, it’s not primarily product knowledge that counts—but leadership, communication, and trustworthiness.”
A real-world example: An interim executive didn’t know the technical topic—but the organization needed exactly his experience and leadership. The industry change succeeded.
Your Next Steps?
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- Nurture your network (not just digitally, but with real relationships).
- Position yourself clearly (which roles, industries, value?).
Bottom Line: 2026 offers opportunities—for those who act strategically, deliver quality, and build relationships. The market doesn’t reward availability—it rewards clarity and expertise.
(Original source: Published February 17, 2026, under the title “Interim Market Update 2026…” on Insights Insights – !AYCON – Ulvi I. AYDIN)
