Interim Director for the Retail Goods Division in Greenland

Client: KNI A/S – in Greenland
POSITION: Interim Director for the Retail Goods Division
DURATION: 4 Months

The Situation

We had to part ways with one of our executives, and this suddenly left the Retail Goods Division without its Director. A key role that needed to be filled immediately. While searching for a permanent solution, we decided to bring in an experienced interim leader. Someone who not only possessed strong retail management expertise but also the cultural understanding necessary to operate effectively in Greenland.

The Process

Nextt Management A/S had earlier on helped us in a similar predicament. This was handled so successfully that this interim candidate was later offered a permanent position and is still working at KNI A/S today.

With this in mind, it was natural for us to approach Nextt Management again.

Within just one week of initiating the search, they presented us with three highly qualified candidates — all capable of taking on the position as Director and ensure progress. One candidate stood out for his strong ability to navigate across cultures, which was critical in this context. Only five days after the presentation, an agreement was reached, and the interim Director started two weeks later.

The Solution

From the very beginning we had a promising internal candidate in mind – for the position as Director on a long-term basis. However, this person was not yet fully ready for the vast responsibility. We therefore made an agreement with Nextt Management and the interim candidate that he should not only manage daily operations but also serve as a mentor — preparing the internal successor and providing valuable guidance on all dimensions and complexities of the role as Director.

This dual setup has been a great success. With clear expectations and defined roles, the collaboration has worked seamlessly. To ensure the interim Director’s authority and impact, we decided to delay the announcement of the permanent appointment until later in the process.

Today our internal candidate is taking up the position as Director for the Retail Goods Division – with great success.

The Co-operation

In our case time was of the essence, and once more Nextt Management A/S delivered:

• A highly competent candidate pool – which they activated instantly
• Immediate understanding of our needs, our organisation, and our place in the market
• Spot-on match from the very first presentation
• Easy and efficient communication throughout the process
• A targeted solution for our specific purpose and needs

About KNI A/S

The company is responsible for supplying all regions of Greenland with daily goods, consumer products, and fuel. The vast distances and Arctic climate make this a complex and demanding operation. KNI A/S is among Greenland’s largest corporations, with a turnover of approximately DKK 2.5 billion, 900 employees, and three subsidiaries.