CFO‑to‑CEO promotions recently hit their highest level in a decade, but Boyden’s Craig Stevens explains why this pipeline may narrow as economic conditions improve and leadership needs shift.
Dr. Thorsten Doerr specializes in the tailored placement of interim executives at board and senior management level. With 20 years of professional experience in strategy consulting and as managing director of family-owned businesses, he provides organizations with perfectly matched interim executives for mission-critical situations. His clients include international upper mid-market companies across pivotal industries such as automotive suppliers, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, defense, chemicals, and food.
Professional Focus
- Proven track record in successfully placing first and second-level executives, including CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO, CPO, CTO and CSO roles
- Deep expertise in the unique dynamics of family-owned businesses and the specific challenges and opportunities of medium to large companies ("Upper Mittelstand”)
- Applying a proven and tailored methodology that ensures the interim executives we introduce are not only leaders in their fields, but also an excellent match for each clients’ specific requirements and corporate culture
- Active member of Boyden’s Global Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing, and Supply Chain & Logistic Practices
- Extensive experience in delivering international projects across Western and Eastern Europe, Brazil, China, Mexico, and the USA
- Native German speaker with full professional fluency in English
Business Expertise
- Recognized and trusted advisor to executive boards, managing directors, supervisory and advisory boards
- Joined Boyden in 2019, previously 20 years of professional experience as strategy consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and as managing director in international family businesses (Heraeus, Vossloh)
Additional Expertise
- Chemicals
- Drive technology
- Filter technology
- Food and Beverages
- Plant engineering
- Pumps and Compressors
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Doctorate in Corporate Finance from WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management and Ross School of Business, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- MBA from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, with studies abroad at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University (Canada) and ICN Business School Nancy (France)
A leading automotive supplier leveraged the combined strength of executive search and interim management to fill a critical CFO position quickly and sustainably – laying the foundation for successful transformation and financial stability.
An interim CEO took over the management of a food industry company on the brink of insolvency and initiated a comprehensive restructuring process with the aim of securing liquidity, realigning the organization, and restoring competitiveness.
An Interim Executive enhances the delivery performance of an international wind turbine manufacturer through sustainable and efficient restructuring of the supply chain, resulting in reduced production costs and contractual penalties
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Industrial Trends Report: Analysing markets, studies, and trends on how AI, machine learning, and digitalisation are reshaping the industrial sector, with expert insights on talent and leadership from Boyden’s Global Industrial Practice Members.
A third-generation family business found itself navigating sudden global disruption with limited internal capability to manage a complex reshoring effort. The solution was not more control, but the confidence to bring in the right external expertise. This is how the family safeguarded its legacy by acting decisively—and differently.
Family offices are shifting toward fractional hiring, modular staffing, and specialized advisory roles as they navigate rising costs, next‑gen transitions, and new technological demands. This article explores the evolving talent landscape — including insights from Boyden Partner Bill Flannery on the growing importance of centralized digital coordination within family offices.
Contact Dr. Thorsten Dörr today and let's get started