Leading change when it matters most

An interview with Simon Frei, Managing Partner at FS Partners, on the future of Executive Interim Management in Switzerland

In this interview with Jannike Falkman, Marketing Manager Nordic Region, Simon Frei shares his unique career path, the growth and positioning of FS Partners, and the current state of Executive Interim Management in Switzerland. Simon Frei: «FS Partners is a Swiss boutique firm specialised in interim management and strategic transformation support – particularly in the finance sector. We assist companies in critical phases such as restructurings, leadership transitions, or transformation projects by providing experienced interim executives, mostly in CFO or finance-related roles. Since our founding in 2009, we’ve successfully completed over 550 projects and worked with more than 450 clients.» Simon Frei: «My own career path played a decisive role. I started in 1985 with a commercial apprenticeship and completed an MBA alongside my job as a controller. Later, I served as CFO in several international companies, including as CFO Asia for Oerlikon in China. At some point, I realised that the traditional corporate path no longer suited me – I had reached the top as a full-time CFO. So I decided to start over and founded FS Partners in 2009, initially to offer my own services as an interim CFO and project leader.» Simon Frei: «Exactly! For about ten years, I was mostly on assignment myself. But I quickly noticed the growing demand. More and more companies were looking for highly qualified yet flexible financial support. So I began building a team of experienced finance professionals who could step in at short notice – and that’s when growth really took off.» Simon Frei: «Our strength lies in our clear niche focus and the depth of expertise we bring. We focus on finance and transformation functions, and our clients appreciate our deep understanding of these topics. Having been a CFO myself, I know exactly what clients need – which makes a big difference when selecting the right person. We also work in a very personal and pragmatic way, with a dedicated core team that closely supports every assignment. This “boutique DNA” still defines us today.» Simon Frei: «Initially, we focused almost exclusively on finance and CFO roles. Today, we have a small but very efficient pool of around 100 interim professionals, 70 to 80 of whom are active each year. This high utilisation rate reflects both the loyalty of our experts and the trust of our clients. Joining the Valtus Group and its international Valtus Alliance network has been a real game changer – it allows us to expand our offering to roles such as CEO, CIO, or HR.» Simon Frei: «It’s a balancing act. On one hand, being part of Valtus gives us greater reach and access to international projects – our first joint mandate with Valtus Germany is already underway. On the other hand, we want to preserve our Swiss boutique identity. Our personal, tailored approach is what our clients value most. The challenge now is to keep that special touch while continuing to grow.» Simon Frei: «The market is mature and highly competitive, especially in German-speaking Switzerland. There are several large providers placing C-level interim managers. Our core business is financial interim management – that’s our daily bread. At the same time, we’re seeing a shift in mindset: more professionals, including younger generations, are choosing interim work for greater independence and flexibility. One thing is clear – every company depends on a functioning finance organisation, and that makes our work essential. Interim management has firmly established itself in Switzerland. More and more companies recognise the value of experienced, flexible leaders during transition phases. Our mission at FS Partners is to ensure they find the right person quickly – and with trust. That’s what drives me every day.» Simon Frei: «Yes, we’re now expanding into Western Switzerland. This region has its own culture, language, and business dynamics. To succeed there, we need to be physically present – not just at a distance. That’s why we’re opening a local office to better serve our French-speaking clients and candidates.» Simon Frei: «We’re usually called in when quick action is needed – for example, when there’s a vacancy in finance, a transformation project, or an unexpected departure. Within 20 hours, our clients receive carefully matched profiles – and the assignment can often start almost immediately. Interim managers are ideal for leading change: they’re objective, unbiased, and bring experience that’s often missing internally. And once the mission is complete, they move on. It’s a flexible, efficient model.» Simon Frei: «Our focus now is on growing together with Valtus across the DACH region – Switzerland, Austria, and Germany – without losing our boutique strength. We want to remain agile, personal, and quality-driven. Cross-border mandates are already increasing, which is very exciting. In Switzerland, we aim to further strengthen our position as the leading partner for interim leadership in critical moments.»

As our conversation with Simon Frei shows, FS Partners is about much more than filling temporary leadership positions. With over 15 years of experience, a clear focus on finance, and an uncompromising commitment to quality, the company has established itself as a trusted boutique consultancy.

Now, as part of the international Valtus Group, FS Partners is entering its next chapter: geographic expansion, a broader service offering, and the continued preservation of the values that define the firm.

In a rapidly changing economy, the need for agile and experienced leadership has never been greater. Whether bridging a vacancy or leading a transformation, FS Partners helps companies in Switzerland and across the DACH region lead change with confidence.