Family: Wife, Stephanie; daughter, Lotta, 4; son, Emil, infant

Born: Rusko, Finland

Nationality: Finnish and Swedish

Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English

Education: Master’s degree in technology with emphasis on computer science, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry? My first automotive-related job was as a consultant working for Volvo Group IT in Gothenburg. At that time, I wasn’t very interested in the industry. However, being in an automotive-focused city such as Gothenburg caused my interest to grow. Today, I really enjoy the field’s complexity and products as well as the opportunities we have now to change the way the overall mobility space is viewed.

Your greatest achievement? It was Lynk & CO’s European launch, which was done by utilizing fully digital sales channels, innovative month-to-month car membership services and a new business model. To support the launch a whole new digital platform offering unique solutions had to be delivered. My team collaborated closely with Geely Group’s IT team in China. We delivered the entire program remotely in both Europe and China, using digital solutions in ways that had never been done before. Another great achievement was building our strong business technology team over the past four years. Several of our initial recruits are still an important part of the team, which continues to excel.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you? I consider making mistakes a part of my daily work. That’s probably true for everyone. We try to live by this quote: “If you don’t make any mistakes, you’re making a big mistake.” My follow-up to that sentence is: “Let’s try to avoid making the same mistakes too many times because that would be a failure.”

What is your current challenge at work? I have to manage high ambitions and fast growth. What is especially challenging is managing our remote delivery solutions.

What is the best advice you have ever received? One favorite comes from the Finnish children’s book series about the Moomins, who are a family of trolls. It states: “All things are so very uncertain. And that’s exactly what makes me feel reassured.” This quote helps me make decisions even during the most chaotic situations. Everything is uncertain and change is inevitable. To me that means any decision -- good or bad -- will help us advance.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry? The mobility industry is going through a major transformation. This kind of change creates opportunities for talented young people to showcase their skills, shake up old structures and move to the next level.

What job do you really want to have in the future? My next big career step is to be a full-time dad at home. In November I will start parental leave for about nine months, allowing me to spend time with my two kids. While it’s probably not my lifelong future career, it’s something I’m looking forward to as my next big job.

What do you do to relax? Having two small kids requires me to focus on having a work-life balance that really matters. This is very important. However, the term relaxing doesn’t really apply. When I do have time for myself, I like to kitesurf. It gives me an adrenaline kick. Everything surrounding me is swept away by wind and water.

What is your dream location to live? I really enjoy living in Gothenburg. It’s a perfectly sized city and nature is close by. Down the road I would love to live in California or Australia for a period of time. However, Gothenburg is my home and where I will probably live for the rest of my life.

What is your favorite driving song? To me Don Johnson Big Band’s performance of “Road” is perfect.

What was your favorite road trip and why? A few years ago, we took a trip from Austria to the Tuscany region in central Italy. Making things even more special was that our daughter, who was just 10 months old at the time, was with us for the adventure.

What was your first car? I have never owned a car. Since joining Lynk & CO I have started a month-to-month car membership. I’m happy with the freedom of mobility this provides.

Current car? A Lynk & CO 01 plug-in hybrid.

Career highlights

2021-present: Head of IT, Lynk & CO, Gothenburg, Sweden

2018-2021: Director business technology, Lynk & CO, Gothenburg

2012-2018: IT management consultant and team lead, Acando Consulting, Gothenburg

2010-2012: Developer and IT consultant, Gofore, Tampere, Finland