What is your background?
I have spent most of my career at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), where I worked on the development and procurement of the JAS 39 Gripen for the Swedish Armed Forces. For the last 15 years I led the state's defence export operations, working with everything from Gripen, GlobalEye and submarines to Archer, CV90 and the defence cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine.
Why did you choose to work in the defence sector?
It started with my interest in aeronautical engineering and aerodynamics as a graduate engineer. Initially I found defence materiel interesting from a technical perspective, but today my motivation is mainly about contributing to a safer society. I am driven by developing the Swedish defence industry and building international partnerships that contribute to security, welfare and technology development that benefits society.
What made you accept the role of Head of Defence and Space Programs at GKN Aerospace?
During my years at FMV, I have genuinely appreciated the cooperation with GKN Aerospace. I have always encountered highly skilled colleagues with a strong focus on creating customer value through safety, availability and cost efficiency. There is a genuine commitment here to ensuring that Gripen can fly safely and be available when customers need it. That made the decision easy!
What does your new role involve?
Together with my colleagues, I am responsible for the business, the programmes and the relationships with our customers and partners in the defence and space sector. This includes, among other things, ensuring Gripen's operational engine capability, driving technology development for the fighter aircraft of the future, building up our operations in smaller jet engines, and developing new business opportunities in space.
What is at the top of your agenda for the coming six months?
The most important thing is to ensure that the Gripen engine RM12 delivers the availability and safety that the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen operator nations require. In parallel, the focus is on strengthening cooperation and capabilities in future fighter aircraft, smaller jet engines and space, areas where a great deal is happening right now.