Who We Are
A community of partners and transformation-focused executives bringing real-world leadership experience to complex challenges.
We deliver executive interim management, fractional leadership, high-end advisory, and accelerated search to drive performance, execution, and value creation.
Built by former operators, xNorth delivers across North America and globally through the Valtus Alliance (80+ partners, 30+ countries, 1,000+ assignments per year, including 170+ restructuring projects in 2025).
Our Values
Impact
Your success is our success. Driving excellence & achieving goals is what we are best at. We stand beside our clients and Interim Executives every step of the way.
Trust
At xNorth, nothing matters more than real human connections. We pride ourselves on our community built of passionate people sharing the same values.
Speed
We are constantly developing and growing relationships with executives to provide our clients with rapid solutions to their toughest problems. We are built to move fast.
Ownership
Striving for the best results in a fast-paced environment requires the ability to challenge beliefs and ideas. We foster big thinking and courageous moves, and never hesitate to question the status quo.
Discretion
Due to the nature of our work, we always guarantee full confidentiality. We ensure that our Interim Executives and internal team are vigilant in protecting our data and knowledge.
Why choose us?
Extensive Network
Industry Expertise
Structured Process
Proven Track Record
Commitment To Excellence
Ready to accelerate performance? Let’s discuss how our solutions can help you move forward.
Leadership
xNorth™ is led by accomplished executives who have held positions with private and listed mid-large organizations.
Benoit Créneau
Founder & CEO
Benoit is an accomplished executive experienced in leading organizations and teams through transformative periods. Former COO for a publicly listed company and Managing Director of several subsidiaries, his expertise includes driving growth, managing turnarounds, and executing M&A in Canada, France, and the UK. An Engineer (MSc), he has worked across several industries including Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and IT. Benoit is bilingual in French and English.
Régis Pichonneau
Founding Partner
Régis is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading organizations to success as an Owner, Entrepreneur, and Interim CEO. His roles have focused on growth, transformation, and crisis management. He has managed multiple successful exits and held a CTO role at a top-tier European Executive Interim Management firm. His experience spans diverse sectors such as Telecom, High-Tech, Cybersecurity, and Consumer Goods.
Jérome Bruneau
Global Consumer Goods
Jérôme is an internationally recognized C-suite executive with over 20 years of experience at Coca-Cola, where he held senior roles including Vice President and General Manager, along with multiple functional leadership positions. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ernst & Young in finance and audit, building a strong analytical foundation. His combined corporate and financial expertise brings significant value to strategic and transformation initiatives.
Sean Flynn
Hospitality & Franchising
Sean is a seasoned C-suite Executive with a strong track record of driving business performance across North America and Asia. Blending strategic vision with operational execution, he has supported companies through M&A, growth initiatives, and turnaround situations. A Certified Franchise Executive and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Sean brings deep expertise in franchising, brand development, strategic marketing, and optimizing operating models to deliver measurable, sustainable impact.
Ivano Labricciosa
Energy & Utilities
Ivano is an executive leader with over 30 years of experience in the utility sector. As former President and CEO of Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation, he led strategic planning initiatives and played a key role in advancing energy and communication services across the region. Ivano holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science and a Master of Engineering from Western University, as well as an MBA from Queen’s University. He is also a graduate of the Directors College at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.
Kenneth Yartz
Private Equity & Turnarounds
Kenneth is a results-driven Chief Operations Officer specializing in operational turnarounds and performance improvement for private equity-backed and privately held companies. He has a proven track record of restoring profitability, driving EBITDA growth, and optimizing multisite manufacturing operations across high-volume industries. Throughout his career, he has led complex transformations, including underperforming asset turnarounds, cost restructuring, and M&A integrations. Kenneth combines strong financial discipline with hands-on operational leadership to deliver rapid, sustainable impact and value creation.
Want to Know More?
In every cycle, the companies that outperform are those that execute well.
What we consistently hear from owners, CEOs, and boards is simple: they need clarity, speed, and leadership that turns strategy into action.
At the same time, companies are under pressure to accelerate their transformation, while experienced executives are increasingly seeking roles with real impact, clear mandates, less politics, and the freedom to deliver. Ensuring the right alignment between executives and high-impact mandates is what we do best.
xNorth was built with a long-term view of leadership, based on first-hand experience in markets where flexible and interim leadership models are well established. We believe the future belongs to companies that combine strong permanent leadership with flexible, experienced executives at critical moments.
Benoît Créneau
Founder & CEO
Our Offices
FAQ
What type of companies would benefit from Interim Management?
While the main demand for Interim Management services comes from mid-size companies, xNorth also frequently works with startups and large enterprises, including those with multi-billion-dollar revenues.
How do Interim Executives and consultants differ?
Interim Executives are distinct from consultants as they are hands-on operational executives, that drive action rather than giving advice. They actively engage in executing strategies, managing teams, and driving results.
What is the average length of an interim management project?
The average length of an assignment is 8 months. However, assignments can run anywhere from 3 months to 24 months.
How quickly can xNorth mobilize an Interim Executive?
The exact timeline depends on the specific requirements of the assignment. However, in many cases, we aim to have an operational Interim Executive ready to start within 5 days.
What industries do xNorth’s Interim Executives specialize in?
Our executives have experience in sectors including but not limited to Private Equity, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Technology, Industry, Services, and Not-for-Profit.
Is it possible for a client to hire an Interim Executive for a full-time position?
Yes, if both the client and the consultant come to an understanding that they would like to continue to work together we can facilitate this and charge the client a conversion fee.
Which positions do xNorth executives typically take on?
We specialize in all C-Level and Executive positions, as well as VP and Directors positions in certain cases.
What does xNorth look for in its selection process?
In our selection process, we assess a candidate’s mindset, leadership style, ability to deliver results quickly, reliability, and track record. We also perform reference checks.
What is the typical length of an assignment?
The average length of an assignment is 8 months. However, assignments can run anywhere from 3 months to 24 months.
What support do Interim Executives get during an assignment?
Interim Executives are guided by one of our Partners who will provide support every step of the way including managing the relationship with the client. In addition, they will have access to our community of experts who are available for any queries.
Do Interim Executives need to be incorporated to join xNorth?
Yes, it is necessary that Interim Executives are incorporated. We provide all the resources to help with incorporation if needed.
Do Interim Executives need to get Professional Liability Insurance?
We do require that our Interim Executives hold Professional Liability insurance also known as errors and omissions. We provide all the resources to help with insurance registration if needed.
Do international Interim Executives need to establish a legal entity in Canada or USA?
We provide a solution that allows International Executives to work for a maximum of 12 months without establishing a legal entity in Canada or USA.
Is it possible for a client to hire an Interim Executive for a full-time position?
Yes, if both the client and the consultant come to an understanding that they would like to continue to work together we can facilitate this and charge the client a conversion fee.