Swedish Chamber Proudly Presents Annika Ramsköld Chief Sustainability Officer Vattenfall as Speaker for December Flagship event
Annika Ramsköld is Chief Sustainability Officer at Vattenfall. The past years she has been elected one of ”Sweden's Most Powerful People in Sustainability" (by Aktuellt Hållbarhet and its readers) and is on Futur/io Institute’s list of Europe’s top 100 CSOs .
As head of sustainability, she is responsible to ensure sustainability is fully integrated into all Vattenfall’s processes, decision making and into the daily work, as well as supported by clear targets, policies and strategies.
Ramsköld has a Master of Science degree from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and has worked in Vattenfall for over 30 years with a wide range of assignments from R&D and business development to sales, trading, marketing and strategy. Her more recent positions are as VP Market Strategy and Business Development (MS&BD), VP CEO Office. As VP MS&BD, she initiated and ran two major business development programs; e-mobility and sustainable cities. Ramsköld holds, and has held, many board assignments as chair or board member e.g. Sveaskog, CSR Sweden, JV “Volvo-Vattenfall Plug-in-hybrid company”, Global Compact Network Sweden, Värtan Gas, Klimatum. Ramsköld is also active in many industry associations and working groups including the First Movers Coalition.
For more information of the Swedish Chamber Sustainability & Innovation Summit and to book tickets click here:
More
Swedish Chamber Proudly Presents Britta Wyss Bisang as Moderator for flagship event December
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Britta Wyss Bisang as the Moderator of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit on December 4, 2025.
Britta Wyss Bisang is a sustainability executive with over 20 years of international experience in ESG strategy, sustainable supply chains, public affairs, marketing, and communications. She has served on the executive teams of Schoeller Allibert and the Rainforest Alliance, where she shaped global sustainability strategies and certification systems, while fostering impactful multi-stakeholder collaboration.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of UEBT - Sourcing with Respect, and previously chaired the Board of ISEAL, the global alliance for sustainability standards.
Of Swedish and Swiss origin, Britta holds an Executive MBA from IMD in Switzerland and a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from ETH Zurich. She combines business acumen with a background in environmental sciences and a deep commitment to advancing sustainability through innovation, collaboration, and credible impact.
For more information of the Swedish Chamber Sustainability & Innovation Summit and to book tickets click here:
More
The ‘most boring’ bank in the Netherlands does not want to be in the spotlight at all
News about Swedish Chamber Patron Member Handelsbanken.
Bullewijk in Amsterdam Southeast. A city neighborhood with mostly concrete and wide roads, there's barely a tree in sight. It doesn't seem like the most obvious location for Handelsbanken, which is best known in residential villages like Heemstede, Laren, and Bloemendaal.
"We're a bit dull. That's what suits us best. Focused on the long term and cautious," says CEO Roland van Pooij.
Swedish bank Handelsbanken, known for its quiet presence, now has 27 Dutch branches—more than ABN Amro. It has focused on mortgages for affluent clients but is now expanding into wealth management. CEO Roland van Pooij stresses their decentralised approach, where local bankers assess clients personally. Marketing is minimal, visibility low, but growth steady. Handelsbanken remains committed to long-term relationships and avoiding the spotlight.
Read the full article from FD .
More
Martijn Hagens leaves Vattenfall
Martijn Hagens, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Markets, has decided to leave Vattenfall to accept the role of CEO of Dutch energy company Eneco.
“After more than 20 years at Vattenfall, I feel it’s time to take on new challenges. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the incredible colleagues I’ve worked with. Vattenfall has truly been a place where I could grow, contribute, and lead with purpose. I leave with pride in what we’ve achieved together and excitement for what lies ahead.”
During his time at the company, Martijn held various leadership roles, including Head of Business Areas Customers & Solutions and Heat and Managing Director of Vattenfall N.V. Netherlands.
Read more on Vattenfall's website .
More
ERICSSON: New Office Opening in Breda
We are excited to see Swedish Chamber Patron Member Ericsson open their new Netherlands office in Breda. The celebration took place on August 19, 2025.
Their new office fosters collaboration and innovation, while supporting Ericsson's global sustainability goals. Ericsson Netherlands has been shaping Dutch connectivity for over 100 years and we're excited to continue driving progress in connectivity as part of the Dutch innovation landscape.
Congratulations, Ericsson!
More pictures, and hear from Ericsson .
More
One fifth eat plants at IKEA… and other surprising food facts
Think you know IKEA? Think again.
This time, we’re putting food under the microscope. Numbers, names, successes, and failures – we’re lifting the lid on our food products. In bitesize chunks, naturally.
Our plant-based foods are going from strength to strength, with more and more customers choosing them over the meat-based versions. Last fiscal year, for example, 19% of the hot dog and ball families we sold were plant-based – that’s over 20 million plant and veggie hot dogs, and 13+ million portions of plant balls.
It’s no secret that for many of our customers, a visit to IKEA often goes hand in hand with a bite to eat. But in some countries, food plays a more pivotal role than others. In 14 Ingka markets, for example, the take-up rate in food is more than 100% – meaning that customers are more likely to buy food products whenever they visit us.
Read more .
More
After 21 Remarkable Years – CEO Kerstin Gerlagh Steps Down
After 21 years of dedicated service, Kerstin Gerlagh will step down as CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce on September 1, 2025, as she enters retirement. During her time leading the Chamber, Kerstin has played a key role in helping the organization grow and succeed, creating a lively community where Swedish and Dutch businesses can work together and support each other. She has always been passionate about bringing people together, helping young professionals, and starting projects that have made the Chamber a strong and important part of the business relationship between the two countries.
To ensure a seamless transition, Kerstin will remain with the organisation until December 31, 2025, supporting the handover and transfer of responsibilities. She will be succeeded by Ms. Petra Zachrisson Beets, who will assume the role of CEO effective September 1, 2025.
Kerstin Gerlagh with her successor Petra Zachrisson Beets
“It has been an honour to work with an incredible network of members, partners, colleagues, and friends who all share a passion for strengthening the ties between Sweden and the Netherlands. Together, we have grown the Chamber into a dynamic hub where business and community meet — a place where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, and lifelong connections are made. I feel very proud and confident that the Chamber is at a very good place, we have been working hard together to set up a solid organisation with a fantastic Board, Committees, company commitments and support and member engagement.
A big thank you all for the fantastic collaboration and confidence throughout my years at the Chamber it really has been an honour. I am very pleased that Petra Zachrisson Beets will succeed me as CEO from September 1, 2025 and wish her lots of success in the new role. With her vision, energy, and commitment, I am convinced that the Chamber will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.” - Kerstin Gerlagh, CEO Swedish Chamber of Commerce
"As Kerstin Gerlagh steps down as CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce after many years of dedicated service, we extend our deepest gratitude for her exceptional commitment to building an outstanding and professional Swedish - Dutch business community in the Netherlands. Under her leadership, the Chamber has flourished through numerous initiatives, such as the Young Professionals community—now exceeding 100 members—and the Mentorship Program supporting the growth and development of young professionals to name a few. Her vision also brought forward the Donut Strategy and the establishment of Chamber Committees, focused on Sustainability, Diversity, Innovation, and Branding, resulting in Member engagement and highly professional events that have strengthened and broadened our network. We are extremely grateful for Kerstin’s hard work and leadership. We look forward to a smooth handover period that will continue this strong legacy and we wish Kerstin every success in the exciting new chapter ahead." Jan Sundelin, Chairperson Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands.
Kerstin Gerlagh with her successor Petra Zachrisson Beets
“It has been an honour to work with an incredible network of members, partners, colleagues, and friends who all share a passion for strengthening the ties between Sweden and the Netherlands. Together, we have grown the Chamber into a dynamic hub where business and community meet — a place where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, and lifelong connections are made. I feel very proud and confident that the Chamber is at a very good place, we have been working hard together to set up a solid organisation with a fantastic Board, Committees, company commitments and support and member engagement.
A big thank you all for the fantastic collaboration and confidence throughout my years at the Chamber it really has been an honour. I am very pleased that Petra Zachrisson Beets will succeed me as CEO from September 1, 2025 and wish her lots of success in the new role. With her vision, energy, and commitment, I am convinced that the Chamber will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.” - Kerstin Gerlagh, CEO Swedish Chamber of Commerce
"As Kerstin Gerlagh steps down as CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce after many years of dedicated service, we extend our deepest gratitude for her exceptional commitment to building an outstanding and professional Swedish - Dutch business community in the Netherlands. Under her leadership, the Chamber has flourished through numerous initiatives, such as the Young Professionals community—now exceeding 100 members—and the Mentorship Program supporting the growth and development of young professionals to name a few. Her vision also brought forward the Donut Strategy and the establishment of Chamber Committees, focused on Sustainability, Diversity, Innovation, and Branding, resulting in Member engagement and highly professional events that have strengthened and broadened our network. We are extremely grateful for Kerstin’s hard work and leadership. We look forward to a smooth handover period that will continue this strong legacy and we wish Kerstin every success in the exciting new chapter ahead." Jan Sundelin, Chairperson Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands.
We are grateful for everything Kerstin has done over the years and for the strong foundation she leaves behind. As she steps into retirement, we wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter of her life. We are also very pleased to welcome Petra Zachrisson Beets as the new CEO starting September 1, 2025. With her energy, fresh ideas, and dedication, we are confident the Chamber will continue to grow and support our members in the years to come.
We look forward to a smooth transition and a bright future ahead for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
More
Relocation of Kiruna Church
The relocation of Kiruna Church is a globally unique happening taking place over two days between 19-20th August 2025.
Kiruna Church has been named Sweden’s most beautiful building and holds great cultural and historical value. Now, the church and its accompanying bell tower will be relocated, some weeks apart. The reason is the mining operations in LKAB’s iron ore mine, which are affecting the area considered the old town center, where the church is currently situated.
Kiruna Church will be the largest building to be moved as part of the urban transformation that began planning over 20 years ago and has received worldwide attention. So far, 23 cultural buildings have been relocated. The church relocation will be livestreamed and is accompanied by various activities during the event.
“This is an important and carefully planned move, and we are approaching the finish line. The church is truly unique and means a lot to many people beyond just being a landmark of Kiruna, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to follow and be a part of this historic event” says Stefan Holmblad Johansson, project manager for the church relocation at LKAB.
Read the press-release from LKAB . Photo credits: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se
More
