How Biotec BetaGlucans AS acquired an experienced interim manager within one week

When one of the company's key personnel had to be replaced suddenly, Biotec BetaGlucans AS in Tromsø urgently needed an experienced manager who could quickly take over the helm. Michael Vinge from the parent company Lallemand was sitting in Denmark investigating the interim management market in Norway. The choice quickly fell on Interimleder AS.

Biotec BetaGlucans AS produces beta-1,3/1,6-glucans from yeast for its Danish parent company, Lallemand Bio-Ingredients Group.

The scientific background for the company's involvement in beta-glucans has its roots in discoveries made at the University of Tromsø, and work carried out immediately after the start-up of Biotec Pharmacon.

Over the past few years, awareness and general research into the immunomodulatory potential of beta-glucans have increased significantly within biomedical and clinical research environments. Therefore, the company's development of beta glucan-based products for treating immune-related diseases and disorders has received increased attention in the scientific community.

A new interim manager was in place within a week

– After reading about Interimleder AS, I called senior advisor and partner Narve Karlsen, and just a week later, an optimal interim manager was working with us in Tromsø. Interimleder AS followed us up incredibly quickly, with sound advice and solutions, so we never considered any other providers after that, says Michael Vinge.

Narve Karlsen was sure which candidates would best suit this interim assignment and quickly matched two good candidates with the customer.

– It did not come as a surprise that the choice fell on Ole Martin Otterlei as interim site manager. Biotec BetaGlucans AS is a fascinating company, which in addition to the need for a new manager, also went through several organizational and structural changes. Ole Martin is experienced in this field and has handled similar challenges in previous interim assignments for us, says Narve.

There is no doubt that Otterlei enjoys his interim manager assignment.

– Yes, I feel good when I enter a company, meet new people, get new challenges, and get the opportunity to find good solutions. Initially, it can be a bit chaotic, and you have to deal with a lot of new things, but that's when I feel entirely at home as interim manager.

Three phases: Overview, new hires, and increased production

Otterlei had no doubts about what was needed to solve the assignment in the best possible way:

– The assignment had three phases to it. First, get an overview of all documentation and systems. Second, hire more competent people. Third, streamline and simplify much of their work.

Managing director Michael Vinge is safely watching from Denmark and is satisfied with how the assignment has been carried out.

– Ole Martin has done an excellent job and is exceptionally skilled in administrative matters. When he started, we had almost no employees, but he hired the employees we lacked and stabilized production. Ole Martin has also contributed to the hiring process for a new, permanent manager, and they have worked as a team to ensure a good handover of the baton, says Vinge.

The production also seems to have a bright future:

– Going forward, we would like to increase production. We are in the fortunate situation that we sell what we produce. Therefore it will be essential to increase production and to achieve this we must work more efficiently and go from single to double shifts. In other words, there is an exciting future ahead for Biotec Betaglucans AS, concludes Vinge.

About Biotec BetaGlucans AS:

• Biotec BetaGlucans AS produces beta-1,3/1,6-glucans from yeast
• A subsidiary of Lallemand Bio-Ingredient Group
• Ten employees in Norway
• 4,500 employees worldwide at the group level

Situation and challenge:

• The company had an urgent need for a new manager in autumn 2021.
• At the same time, the company had been merged and sold to Lallemand in Denmark.
• The company, therefore, needed to quickly bring in someone who could take over management in Norway.

Solution and results:

• Hire an experienced interim site manager who could start in less than a week.
• The interim manager quickly gained control over the administration and new hires and stabilized production.
• A new permanent manager has been hired, and production is doubling.