Article at a glance:

Managing your integration manager

Chief executives often appoint integration managers to help pull off big mergers. But few CEOs have enough experience with mergers or integration managers to possess a formula for getting the role right. McKinsey's experience suggests that CEOs should find someone inside the organization with strong project-management skills and an ability to generate consensus. They should install the integration manager early in the process and must assure their support, both during and after the merger.

The take-away

Good integration managers do more than merely help departments merge; the best lead and inspire the troops during the integration process, bringing out the best in both merging organizations. Diligent senior-management attention is necessary to install and support an integration manager who can infuse a merger with the momentum it requires to succeed.