Sector
Interim CEO for ecommerce and DTC brands.
Brief
Consumer online businesses with revenue between 5 and 100 million euros, under pressure from paid-media inflation, ownership change or international scale-up.
Direct answer
An interim CEO for ecommerce enters a DTC or online retail business to stabilise contribution margin, professionalise the top team and prepare either an exit or a permanent CEO handover. Deep operating background in paid media, unit economics and international scale. Monthly retainer, six to twelve months mandate.
When ecommerce needs an interim
- Contribution margin collapse driven by paid-media inflation or returns.
- Founder transition after a first institutional round or a trade-sale to a holding.
- International expansion into a new country with no local operator on the ground.
- Post-acquisition integration into a larger consumer group.
- Preparation for a sale process: cleaning the P&L, the team and the story.
What the interim owns
- Blended CAC, contribution margin per order, cohort retention, LTV.
- Media mix and platform relationships: Meta, Google, Amazon, TikTok.
- Supply chain, 3PL and carrier costs.
- Merchandising and pricing decisions with the commercial team.
- Board and shareholder communication.
Continue reading
Hub
Interim CEO in ItalyOne senior operator with a C-level track record, the alternative to head hunter fees.
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FAQ
FAQ on interim CEO in ecommerce
When does an ecommerce brand hire an interim CEO?
After a PE or holding acquisition, during a margin crisis driven by paid-media inflation, in the transition from founder-led to professional operation, or when the company enters a second market and the sitting team lacks international experience.
Does the interim CEO understand paid media and unit economics?
Directly. Twenty years of consumer and digital operations, including 120 million euros a year of paid media as CMO of a listed group. Blended CAC, contribution margin per order, returns and cohort retention are the operating metrics.
Can an interim CEO run a warehouse and fulfilment operation?
Governs through operations and supply chain leads. Sets service level, cash cycle and cost priorities. Renegotiates 3PL and carrier contracts personally when the size of the impact justifies it.
How long is an ecommerce mandate?
Six to twelve months. Long enough to stabilise the P&L, rebuild the top team and prepare the handover. Short enough to keep the sense of urgency the business needs.
Need this seat filled. Fast.