Karin Swanson appointed new Communications Director at FMV

Karin Swanson, the new Head of Communications at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), takes on the role of developing the agency's communications during a period of change and growth. Drawing on experience from both politics and the private sector, she speaks about her path to the defence sector, the challenges ahead, and the importance of enjoying your work. What is your background?

I have an academic foundation in areas relevant to FMV, with a Master's degree in Political Science and Peace and Conflict Research from Uppsala University (central Sweden), as well as a Master's degree from the Swedish Defence University (Försvarshögskolan). I have broad experience in strategic communications and leadership within complex organisations, having worked in both politics and the private sector. My roles have included serving as Campaign Manager for the Moderate Party (Moderaterna) and as a Political Adviser at the Cabinet Office (Statsrådsberedningen), as well as heading the communications units at Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants within Vattenfall. Through these assignments, I have worked with change communications, opinion-forming, and strengthening organisational reputation. Why did you choose to start working in the defence sector?

The defence sector plays a decisive role in Sweden's security and international stability. Given my academic background and strong interest in societal development, it felt natural to contribute in an area where communications is a critical component within a sector that is growing and adapting to a new security environment. There was also a sense of "coming home", of engaging with issues I have long been passionate about. What drew you to this position and to FMV in particular?

FMV has a central role in ensuring that the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) are equipped with the right materiel, services, and technical solutions to meet both current and future needs. I value FMV's commitment to communicative leadership and the recognition that effective communications is a decisive success factor going forward. The agency is in an expansive phase with significant delivery commitments and a growing operation, which makes contributing to the development of FMV's communications all the more exciting. As Head of Communications, I have the opportunity to promote innovative development and ensure that communications supports the organisation's objectives. I regard it as both an honourable and a responsible assignment to contribute to FMV's work for Sweden's defence and security. What does your new role involve?

As Head of Communications, I lead FMV's communications department and am responsible for developing and implementing the agency's overall communications strategy. My team works with internal and external communications, employer branding, trust-building, and change communications. One of my primary priorities is to strengthen FMV's communicative capacity and ensure transparent, effective, and trust-building communications. I also see it as an important task to ensure that my colleagues have the right conditions to develop, thrive, and bring their best selves to work. I firmly believe that job satisfaction, psychological safety, and curiosity are fundamental factors for succeeding as a leader in building a healthy and reliably delivering organisation. What is at the top of your agenda for the next six months?

My focus over the coming six months is to strengthen FMV's strategic communications and establish a unified, clear communications structure characterised by a modern and inclusive leadership model. I also want to strengthen internal communicative support and ensure that communications becomes an integrated part of the organisation's governance and development. An expanded investment in change communications is also a priority, building a robust, communicative organisation that can proactively manage and drive change in a structured and inclusive manner. FMV is in a dynamic phase of development, which makes it essential that communications is integrated as a natural part of operations. This enables us to continuously adapt to future security threats and strengthen Sweden's defence. I am also focused on getting to know my immediate colleagues properly and making sure we laugh a lot and enjoy the journey. That is an important factor in balancing the seriousness of the assignment.

Nordic Defence Sector (NDS) has previously interviewed, among others, Johan Magnusson and Karin Swanson in this series. If you know someone who would be suitable for this interview series, or feel that you yourself would be a good fit, NDS can be reached at news@nordicdefencesector.com. Please mark the email "New in the Job".