Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Assignment Overview

• Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Company: xNorth
• Duration: 12 Months
• Location: Montreal, Quebec 

About xNorth

xNorth is a dedicated Executive Interim Management firm that connects organizations with seasoned leaders to drive transformation, manage change, and deliver results. As a Canadian company with coast-to-coast reach, we understand the challenges our clients face across the country. We move fast to provide effective leadership across all functions, helping Canadian businesses navigate growth, crisis, or transition with confidence.

Role Overview

We are reinforcing our roster of experienced Interim Chief Executive Officers to support current and upcoming mandates requiring full organizational leadership during times of change. These high-impact assignments often involve business transformation, leadership transitions, ownership changes, or operational recovery. Ideal candidates are results-driven, hands-on executives with proven experience leading mid-sized companies through critical phases. They step in quickly, align teams around strategic goals, and ensure continued performance and governance, whether preparing for a permanent successor or steering the organization for an extended interim period.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide interim executive leadership and strategic direction to organizations during defined transition periods.
• Assume full accountability for financial, operational, and organizational performance.
• Lead turnaround, restructuring, post-M&A integration, or growth acceleration initiatives.
• Serve as the main liaison to the Board of Directors or corporate stakeholders.
• Maintain key external relationships with customers, investors, suppliers, and partners.
• Engage and align executive teams to stabilize operations and execute on strategic priorities.
• Identify key improvement levers across the business and drive change at pace.
• Prepare the organization for the onboarding of a permanent CEO or, where applicable, continue leadership through an extended interim mandate.

Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of executive experience, including previous roles as CEO, President, or General Manager.
• Demonstrated success managing full P&L and leading companies through change or transition.
• Strong business acumen, with experience across operations, strategy, and organizational leadership.
• Track record of leading complex environments and aligning stakeholders internally and externally.
• Highly adaptable, operational, and outcome-oriented — capable of delivering results quickly.
• Based in or near Montreal, with fluency in English and French (strongly preferred).
• Incorporated in Canada or willing to be (we offer support for incorporation if needed).

Why Join xNorth?

• Be part of a trusted, growing network of interim executives in Canada and North America.
• Work on meaningful assignments with dynamic companies navigating transformation or growth.
• Collaborate with experienced partners who understand the realities of executive leadership.
• Enjoy competitive compensation and flexible engagement models tailored to your availability.