2020-2023

CEO & Managing Director

Inter IKEA System B.V. (NL)

  • Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is the worldwide franchisor of the IKEA Concept and owner of the IKEA Brand, one of the world’s 50 most valuable brands.
  • In FY22, the IKEA Brand generated EUR 44 billion in revenue, with 456 IKEA stores in 62 countries.
  • As CEO and Managing Director, I managed the company and was responsible for executing the long-term direction. I oversaw the continued omni-channel transformation of the IKEA Concept and the strategic expansion of IKEA retailing into 12 new countries.
  • As a member of the Management Board, I participated in all strategic decisions guiding the company’s operations.

2015-2020

Market Potential & Expansion Manager

Inter IKEA Systems B.V. (NL)

  • As the franchisor of the IKEA Concept, Inter IKEA Systems B.V. develops and manages relationships with IKEA franchisees and expands through new and existing franchises.
  • In this role I led the development of the IKEA Expansion strategy, including overseeing in-depth market potential research into 60 metropolitan areas.
  • I helped bring IKEA retailing into 12 new markets and led the key account management for IKEA franchisees.
  • In this role, I was also responsible for ensuring the architectural design and conceptual planning of all new IKEA customer meeting points. 


2012-2015

Deputy Retail Manager

IKEA DOM LLC (RU)

  • At this time, IKEA DOM LLC was the IKEA franchisee in Russia.
  • During my time there we operated 14 IKEA stores in 11 cities and were one of the top 5 markets for IKEA worldwide, generating high revenue and operating large volumes. 
  • In this role I led the commercial matrix functions including Sales, Retail Logistics, Communication & Interior Design, and Marketing.
  • Together with my colleagues I led the  development and implementation of the business plan that delivered double-digit growth, healthy profitability, and high customer satisfaction for three consecutive years.

2010-2012

Global Business Leader IKEA Kitchen Home Furnishing Business

IKEA of Sweden AB (SE)

  • IKEA of Sweden develops and manages the entire IKEA product range and is responsible for the quality and design of every product sold at IKEA.
  • As the Global Business Leader for Kitchens, I was responsible for developing the kitchen business including the range offer, which is one of IKEA’s biggest business areas.
  • I developed, implemented, and followed-up on a global mid- and long-term business strategy for kitchens
  • The strategy was based on knowledge about how customers live at home, the market situation, macro-trends, IKEA strategic directions, and more.
  • I also took part in the development and preparations of the roll-out of a complete new IKEA kitchens system, one of the biggest range changes in IKEA history.

2004-2010

Global Commercial Manager IKEA Kitchen Home Furnishing Business

IKEA of Sweden AB (SE)

  • In this role I developed and implemented a three-year global commercial plan for the range of IKEA kitchen and dining products.
  • The plan steered marketing communication, sales solutions, competence development, and more.
  • As part of the plan we also developed, tested, and implemented an easier buying process for kitchen customers.
  • I worked closely with IKEA franchisees around the world as we rolled-out and acted on the plan, which helped us double IKEA kitchen sales.

2003-2004

Business Developer

IKEA P3 Development Program

IKEA of Sweden AB (SE)

  • During this period at IKEA of Sweden I helped develop a modern IT system and work processes.
  • The aim was to provide customised support for the IKEA supply chain, with the goal of improving efficiency and preparing for the future.

2000-2003

Country Sales Leader Kitchen and Dining Home Furnishing Business

IKEA Deutschland GmbH (DE)

  • With more than 52 IKEA stores, IKEA Germany is the largest market for IKEA retailing.
  • In this role I was responsible for commercial planning for kitchen and dining products throughout the country.
  • This included setting prices, ensuring profit, defining sales steering strategies, and developing the competence of co-workers so they could deliver on our planning and meet customers in the best possible way.

2000-1994

Department Manager B2B and Kitchen Home Furnishing Business

IKEA Stores Leipzig and Cologne (DE)

  • My first role with IKEA was on the sales floor of IKEA stores.
  • As a Department Manager I was responsible for operating the stores’ kitchen business and business-to-business offer.
  • Besides growing the business I managed teams, planned co-worker hours, supported the development of co-worker competence, and followed up on performance.

Before 1994

Carpenter/ Entrepreneur/ Civil Service

East Germany/ Germany

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  • I was born and raised in East Germany.
  • I learned carpentry at a vocational school and gained experience constructing sets at a city theatre.
  • During my civil service I supported elderly people in need.
  • Shortly after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, I co-founded a company that established and operated the first private pager service in Leipzig.