Interim Management in the Chemical Industry: Expert Interview

Interim management has become an essential tool for many industries, yet in the chemical sector, it remains relatively underutilized. As companies navigate challenges such as regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and operational restructuring, interim managers can bring valuable expertise to lead critical projects and drive meaningful change.

But how exactly does interim management fit into the chemical industry? Why is its adoption lower compared to other sectors? And what opportunities exist for interim professionals looking to make an impact?

To answer these questions, we spoke with Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos, a senior industry expert with over 36 years of experience in the chemical sector. As Senior Vice President at Evonik Industries, Dr. Savvopoulos has held leadership roles across different regions, including DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Central and Eastern Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa.

In this interview, he shares his insights on the current state of interim management in chemicals, the challenges companies face, and how interim professionals can position themselves for success in this evolving landscape.

Now, let’s get into the conversation.

I. Career Background & Industry Experience

Marian Fabian:

Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos, a seasoned leader in the chemical industry with extensive experience at Evonik Industries, focusing on specialty chemicals.

Dr. Savvopoulos, welcome to the interview! Perhaps you could start by telling us more about your career in the chemical industry and the experience you have accumulated over the years.

Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos:

Thank you very much, Marian, for having me in this special interview. I am happy to share my insights on interim management and the chemical industry in various regions, particularly in DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

My name is Iordanis Savvopoulos, and I have been in the chemical industry for 36 years. Over the course of my career, I have taken on various responsibilities across multiple regions.

I also spent eight years in sub-Saharan Africa, where I established offices on the West and East coasts. Since returning to Europe in 2016, I have been involved in specialty chemicals, taking on different leadership roles.

II. The Role of Interim Management in Chemical Transformation

Marian Fabian:

Great, thank you! As you mentioned, we will be discussing interim management in DACH and Central Eastern Europe, as well as your experience and insights on this topic.

When we talk about interim management in the chemical industry, how do you see interim management supporting transformation projects? What is the current level of involvement of interim managers in this sector?

Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos:

Last year, when I conducted a deep-dive study on interim management in the chemical industry in the DACH region, I discovered that interim managers are not widely involved in corporate chemical companies. Many colleagues I spoke with, both within Evonik and in other chemical companies, had never heard of interim managers in their industry.

I found that less than 10% of the chemical industry utilizes interim managers, which is significantly lower than in other industries. This insight led me to post on LinkedIn, sparking discussions about why the chemical industry has not embraced interim management and how we can increase its presence.

The interim management market in DACH is quite large, with an estimated value of €3-4 billion per year, growing at a rate of 5-7% annually. However, its adoption within chemicals remains low, presenting a significant growth opportunity.

III. How Interim Managers Drive Change in the Chemical Industry

Marian Fabian:

That’s an interesting observation. What specific transformation areas in the chemical industry can interim managers support?

Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos:

Interim managers can play a crucial role in several transformation areas, including:

Key Areas Where Interim Managers Add Value

✔ Digitalization – The chemical industry has been slow to fully embrace sales digitalization and CRM systems.
✔ Supply Chain Optimization – Improving logistics, procurement, and production efficiency.
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring compliance with REACH regulations, sustainability laws, and ESG frameworks.
✔ Cost Reduction & Efficiency Gains – Many projects led by interim managers result in cost savings of up to 15%.
✔ Post-Merger Integration (PMI) – Following acquisitions, interim managers can streamline operations and harmonize corporate cultures.

IV. Comparing DACH and Central Eastern Europe (CEE) in Interim Management

Marian Fabian:

You also studied interim management in the CEE region. What are the key differences between DACH and CEE in terms of how companies utilize interim management?

Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos:

The DACH region has a mature interim management market, with over 20,000 active interim managers. In contrast, Central Eastern Europe (CEE) is still developing in this area.

✔ Poland is the largest and most developed CEE market for interim managers.
✔ Cultural adaptation is a challenge—many DACH-based interim managers struggle with local management styles and business customs in CEE countries.
✔ Regulatory complexity—local regulations in CEE countries may differ significantly from Western Europe, making compliance more difficult.
✔ The need for local expertise—Companies often bring in Western interim managers but fail to train them on local regulations, leading to inefficiencies.

V. Final Thoughts on the Future of Interim Management in Chemicals

Marian Fabian:

Finally, how do you see the future of interim management in the chemical industry?

Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos:

Right now, less than 10% of chemical companies use interim managers. However, as industries embrace digitalization, sustainability, and restructuring, demand for interim professionals will rise significantly.

Interim managers must build trust with corporate leaders and showcase their ability to drive meaningful transformation. The industry is slow to change, but with proven success stories, more companies will embrace interim expertise.

Marian Fabian:

That’s an insightful perspective. Thank you for your time, Dr. Savvopoulos!

Need Expert Interim Managers for the Chemical Industry?

If your company is looking for experienced interim managers to drive transformation, regulatory compliance, or operational improvements in the chemical industry, CE Interim can help.

👉 Get in touch today to find the right interim expert for your needs!

📩 Contact us at: CE Interim Website