Swiss precision meets global power 

The merger of Herisau-based consulting boutique FS Partners with the internationally renowned Valtus Group marks the creation of a new powerhouse in executive interim management. In a conversation with LEADER, Simon Frei, CEO of FS Partners, and Aymeric Bas, Managing Partner International & CRO at Valtus France, discuss how local strength and global reach reinforce one another. Simon Frei: FS Partners has been active in the interim management market for nearly 17 years, with a strong focus on finance leadership roles. To take the next step in our development, we needed a fresh strategic direction. With Valtus, we found a partner that aligns with us both culturally and professionally — one that connects our Swiss strengths with international scale. Simon Frei: Both FS Partners and Valtus share the same core ambition: to take responsibility, deliver the highest quality and provide effective solutions in critical moments. Valtus benefits from our strong foothold in the Swiss market, while we gain access to a global network and close collaboration within the DACH region and Western Switzerland. Aymeric Bas: Switzerland is a central element of our European expansion — a highly connected market with global influence. With FS Partners, we have found the ideal partner to strengthen our presence. They form the Swiss foundation of our alliance: precise, reliable and exceptionally well networked. It is a natural fit where local strength and global impact truly complement each other. Aymeric Bas: Trust is everything. Interim management means handing responsibility to people at decisive moments. That only works when shared values, mutual respect and long-term thinking form the basis. With Simon and his team, it was immediately clear that we speak the same language — professionally and personally. Aymeric Bas: We are creating more than the sum of our parts — an ecosystem that connects deep local market knowledge with international expertise. Our clients benefit from seasoned leaders in finance, transformation, operations and HR, along with seamless access to global know-how. Simon Frei: We are broadening our offering with additional interim disciplines across all business functions and expanding into cross-border projects. For SMEs and scale-ups, we now offer fractional services: experienced CFOs working on a part-time basis — ideal for growing companies that do not yet require or cannot yet finance a full-time executive. Simon Frei: Many of our clients operate globally. When a US company needs a CFO for its Swiss subsidiary, we provide that executive through FS Partners. Conversely, Swiss firms rely on the Valtus network for international assignments — quickly, efficiently and with a well-practised team. Simon Frei: Interim management is gaining momentum. More companies are realising that flexible leadership solutions are often the smarter option in times of change. And more executives are intentionally choosing interim leadership as a career path.
Aymeric Bas: Major trends such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, ESG and resilience are accelerating this shift. Interim leaders bring exactly the experience and agility required to drive transformation successfully. Simon Frei: Yes. Switzerland has its own regulations, such as those relating to personnel leasing. This differentiates it from Germany or Austria — and makes local expertise even more crucial. Aymeric Bas: The market is highly fragmented. Many national providers operate independently. As an internationally integrated network, Valtus offers consistent quality and methodology across borders — and that is a decisive competitive advantage. Simon Frei: That in 2009 we created something that didn’t yet exist in Switzerland — opening doors for many interim leaders to take on assignments that would otherwise have been out of reach. Aymeric Bas: I firmly believe that leadership has no borders. Business challenges like transformation, crisis or growth are universal. The best solutions emerge when markets and cultures inspire one another. Simon Frei: Stay curious and adaptable — and seek support early at critical moments. The right partnerships and experienced interim leaders often make the decisive difference between reacting and leading.