The Interim Executive Survey FY26/27

This edition marks the 16th year that Watermark has explored the interim executive market in Australia and features insights from the largest cohort in the survey’s history.

To find out why more executives are choosing interim as a career and why organisations increasingly are turning to interim leadership, Download Now.

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The Watermark Interim Executive Survey FY26/27 explores and analyses what it means to be an interim executive in Australia. Drawing on our deep market expertise, this report provides analysis and insights into:

• The interim leadership landscape trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the market.

• The demographics and motivations of professionals choosing interim careers.

• The types of assignments interim executives undertake.

• The broader economic and business environment in which they operate.

• Valuable insights into the key scenarios that drive demand for interim leaders and the capabilities organisations are seeking.​

74%​

of interim executives operate at CEO or C-suite level.

92%​

of executives delivered meaningful impact within the first month.

​54%

of interim executives contributed meaningfully within the first week.

​52%

of executives are committed to interim as a career model.

• 2025 Interim Survey

• 2024 Interim Survey

• 2023 Interim Survey

• 2022 Interim Survey

• 2021 Interim Survey

• ​2020 Interim Survey

• 2019 Interim Survey

• 2018 Interim Survey

• 2017 Interim Survey

• 2016 Interim Survey

• 2015 Interim Survey

• 2014 Interim Survey

• 2013 Interim Survey

• 2012 Interim Survey

• 2011 Interim Survey