Leadership in Transition: Dave Haslam on the Power of Interim Executives in Private Equity

In a recent episode of the Leadership Quotient Podcast, Dave Haslam, Head of Talent at ETONIEN, shared his perspective on the evolving role of interim executives in private equity. The conversation explores what makes these leaders so critical during times of transition — and why specialized, situational leadership has become a cornerstone of successful portfolio execution.
Listen to the full episode here

Filling the Leadership Gap

When a private equity firm closes on a deal — whether it’s a carve-out, add-on, or founder transition — there’s often a critical period where the business needs experienced leadership but isn’t yet ready for a permanent hire. That’s where interim executives step in.

As Haslam explains, these are not “stopgaps” or placeholders. They are specialists brought in to stabilize, execute, and prepare the company for its next stage of growth.

“Interim leaders thrive in moments of ambiguity,” Haslam says. “They understand how to move quickly, earn trust, and create clarity when things are changing fast.”

Balancing Execution and Culture

Beyond the immediate tactical needs — standing up reporting, improving cash visibility, or resetting HR processes — the most successful interim leaders understand culture. They don’t just execute; they embed.

“It’s not enough to deliver results on paper,” Haslam notes. “You have to integrate into the team, align with the company’s values, and leave behind stronger systems and people than when you arrived.”

That balance of execution and empathy is what distinguishes high-impact interim executives from traditional consultants. They’re inside the business, not just advising it.

From Finance to Talent Leadership

Haslam’s own career reflects this balance of precision and people. With a background in finance and recruiting, he brings a dual perspective that helps private equity sponsors and portfolio leaders identify talent who can perform under pressure.

“The right leader at the right moment can change everything,” he says. “When you match capability with context — experience with timing — you set the stage for lasting value creation.”

The Rise of Specialist Leadership

As private equity firms increasingly pursue aggressive timelines and complex integrations, the demand for interim specialists continues to rise. These leaders bring targeted expertise and operational speed — the exact traits that define successful value creation in today’s market.

ETONIEN’s model is built around this reality: giving private equity portfolio companies access to proven CFOs, CHROs, and COOs who can step in, stabilize, and deliver results from day one.

Listen to the full conversation with Dave Haslam on the Leadership Quotient Podcast:
https://leadershipquotient.buzzsprout.com/2528919/episodes/17749329

About ETONIEN

ETONIEN is a national professional services firm delivering strategic finance, operations, and HR transformation support for private equity-backed portfolio companies and middle-market businesses. With a model built for speed, expertise, and alignment, ETONIEN provides on-demand access to proven leaders who execute across the deal lifecycle—from diligence to exit.

View Dave’s Full Bio: etonien.com/leadership
Connect with Dave Haslam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davehaslam