DDIM Market Study 2026: Interim Management Holds Firm in a Demanding Market Environment
A Press Release by DDIM – Dachgesellschaft Deutsches Interim Management e.V.
Cologne, 20 February 2026 – The new market study published by DDIM – Dachgesellschaft Deutsches Interim Management e.V. – clearly demonstrates that Interim Management continues to professionalise and differentiate, thereby remaining a key instrument for organisations navigating periods of transition.
2025 Challenging, 2026 with Cautious Optimism
The year 2025 proved demanding for the sector. Skills shortages, political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions led to investment restraint among client organisations. Nevertheless, 62 per cent of Interim Managers are cautiously optimistic about 2026.
Utilisation is expected to recover slightly from 79 per cent in 2025 to a projected 81 per cent in 2026. The total market volume is estimated at approximately €2.7 billion. Average daily rates remain stable, with a forecast of €1,317 for 2026. At the same time, supply continues to grow: the study projects around 12,500 Interim Managers in the market in 2026. For clients, this means a broader choice – particularly in niche and specialist areas.
Dr Marei Strack, Chair of DDIM, comments:
“These figures demonstrate that companies recognise the value of professional Interim Management. Experienced and delivery-focused Interim Managers who assume responsibility and deliver results quickly remain in strong demand.”
Automotive Sector: Transformation Clearly Evident
The dynamics of the German economy are particularly visible in the automotive sector. The industry remains in the midst of profound transformation, driven by electrification, structural cost pressures and shifting market conditions. These developments are directly reflected in Interim Management assignments.
The share of mandates within the automotive supplier sector has declined from 11.6 per cent in the previous year to 7.9 per cent in 2026. As a result, the sector has fallen from first place to fourth position for the first time.
Dr Strack notes:
“The automotive industry is repositioning itself. Demand for Interim Managers is currently shifting noticeably towards other transformation and future-oriented sectors.”
DDIM: Guidance and Professional Standards in Interim Management
The 2026 market study reveals a demanding market environment: structural shifts between industries, a growing supply of Interim Managers, and increasing differentiation of profiles and fields of deployment. For organisations, this translates into greater choice – but also higher requirements in terms of assessment, quality assurance and professional selection processes.
This is precisely where DDIM provides transparency and guidance.
As both a professional association and a business association, as well as a community for professional Interim Managers, DDIM consolidates expertise and actively supports the continued development of the market. Within 18 specialist working groups, expertise is systematically deepened; specialist events and national and international networks foster knowledge exchange and professional development.
Dr Marei Strack emphasises:
“Interim Management is a professional market with clear requirements in terms of competence and execution capability. DDIM makes this professionalism visible and creates transparency – both for our members and for organisations that rely on experienced leaders on an interim basis during periods of transformation.”
Full Market Study Available on Request
You may register here for the DDIM Market Study 2026 and receive access to the complete results, analyses and commentary once the study has been fully prepared:
DDIM is the largest association for professional Interim Management in Germany and serves as the primary point of contact for Interim Managers, Interim Management providers and client organisations.
This year’s annual market survey was conducted among more than 800 members (Interim Managers, independent executives and experts) and approximately 30 partners (Interim Management providers/intermediaries).
DDIM – Dachgesellschaft Deutsches Interim Management e.V.
Dr Marei Strack | Chair
www.ddim.de | info@ddim.de
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