Thank you for the Swedish Chamber Executive Sustainability Breakfast
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, and academics from Sweden and the Netherlands to the Executive Sustainability Breakfast on May 30, 2024, at H.E. Ambassador Johannes Oljelund’s residence in The Hague.
Pär Stenmark, Chief Sustainability Officer at Inter IKEA Group, delivered the inspiring speech “IKEA: Paving the Way for Another 80 Years,” detailing IKEA’s strategy to become a circular business, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a fair society.
Participants engaged in open dialogue on sustainable practices, corporate social responsibility, and environmental leadership while enjoying a wonderful breakfast. The Swedish Chamber thanks H.E. Ambassador Oljelund for his hospitality and Pär Stenmark for his insights. We look forward to ongoing sustainability conversations within our network!
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Meet Tomas Korseman, moderator for the Business Climate Survey
We are proud to present Tomas Korseman as our moderator for the Business Climate Survey Presentation in the Netherlands 2024 on June 4! Tomas is the Trade Commissioner of Sweden to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg and the Area Manager of Business Sweden—The Swedish Trade & Invest Council for the Benelux countries.
Tomas has long experience establishing and growing companies in international markets, leading a team of eight at Business Sweden based in The Hague. Before that, he served as Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Chile, Argentina and Peru. He holds previous line management roles in strategy and business development at Ericsson and Motorola, coupled with significant experience in management consulting and growth advisory from Edgecom and Arthur Andersen.
The Business Climate Survey presentation gives valuable insights into economic development, success drivers, local conditions, trade obstacles and sustainability challenges encountered by Swedish-affiliated companies in the Netherlands. Team Sweden looks forward to your presence at this insightful occasion, where we will delve into the intricate dynamics shaping business climate across borders. The event is free of charge.
Sign up for the event !
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Let’s take action: The Diversity & Inclusion Special of Swedish Chamber Insights!
With our digital magazine, , we offer you an exclusive glimpse into the activities within and around the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. This month, we are celebrating the European Commission's International Diversity Month by showcasing exclusive features on three inspiring leaders in Diversity & Inclusion, one of the Swedish Chamber's core values.
🏆 Dr Cara Antoine addresses the Netherlands' performance in global gender equality rankings, shares her personal experience as a leader in a male-dominated industry, and explores actionable steps that businesses need to take to advocate for gender equality in the workplace.
🌏 Unlocking the full potential: SKF accelerates diversity & inclusion journey. Key leaders at SKF, including Rickard Gustafson, Annika Ölme, and Yves Nys, share their insights on why and how they are committed to driving their D&I strategy forward.
👥 New article: From “Nice to Have” to "Must Have" by Wendy Broersen, International Diversity & Inclusion expert and founder of Superpeople Company, to learn about inclusive practices, CSDR, equal pay and more.
We are thrilled to present insights from these experts on implementing diversity and inclusion strategies in your workplace and making impactful changes.
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New board candidates 2024
Will we see you on June 4 for our upcoming and Team Sweden’s ? Welcome! The Nomination Committee has put forward two new Board Member candidates for 2024: Mark Verbakel, Managing Director, SKF BV and Fatih Noyan, Country Manager, Ericsson the Netherlands. Join the Annual General Meeting to meet Mark and Fatih.
Find more information and sign up .
Mark Verbakel, Managing Director, SKF BV
Mark Verbakel was born in 1977 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and currently resides in Best, Netherlands, with his wife and two sons, aged 11 and 13. Mark earned a Master's in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Eindhoven in 2001, graduating cum laude, followed by a Master's in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2003 and a B2B marketing degree in 2009. In 2011, he completed an Executive MBA at the Rotterdam School of Management, where he was on the Dean's Honor List for being among the top five in his class.
Mark has built a career at SKF, where he joined in 2010. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director for SKF Netherlands, overseeing various critical functions and maintaining a constructive relationship with the local works council. His previous roles at SKF include leading the Growth Enablement unit, a team focused on non-incremental innovations. He was part of the group’s central Research & Technology Development management team for over 4 years, leading expert teams, initiating new research initiatives, and managing its project management office. During an international assignment, Mark also established a new automotive development centre in Michigan, USA.
Before joining SKF, Mark was a consultant at the Automotive Technology Centre and a business developer at TNO, where he engaged international automotive customers and developed a marketing plan for a new climatic test facility. His early career began at Bosch as an application engineer, leading an interdisciplinary project team to reduce reject rates in collaboration with Japanese customers.
Outside of his professional life, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for technology and innovation. He is committed to making profitable new business from technological innovations by fostering cross-company collaboration and working closely with SKF’s customers.
Fatih Noyan, Country Manager, Ericsson the Netherlands
Fatih Noyan serves as the Country Manager for Ericsson in the Netherlands, a global leader in the communications industry, pioneering innovation and connectivity worldwide. His academic background includes an Electrical & Electronics Engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration. Fatih has undertaken diverse leadership roles across Europe within Ericsson throughout his professional journey, navigating various industry challenges and driving growth in a rapidly evolving industry. His participation in the mentorship program is driven by his strong desire to give back to society. He is motivated to share insights with aspiring young leaders, helping them to realize their full potential and strive for excellence.
Kerstin Gerlagh, General Manager Swedish Chamber of Commerce
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Launch Business Climate Survey the Netherlands on June 4, 2024
In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce invites members and partners to join the Team Sweden launch of the 4th . Curious about the success of Swedish companies and the keys to thriving in the Dutch market? You are welcome to join!
This year’s invited speakers include Keynote Speaker Per-Arne Hjelmborn, Director-General for Trade at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and panelists Armanda Willems, Country Manager at Lime Technologies Netherlands; Johan Uhlin, Managing Director/CEO of Scania Production Nederland B.V., Zwolle; Ashkan Danaei, Key Account Director at Tetra Pak; and Michael Vallon, Head of Financial Control DACH/BNL at Getinge. The session will be moderated by Tomas Korseman, Trade & Invest Commissioner to the Netherlands.
“The Business Climate Survey deepens our understanding of the current business climate in the Netherlands and gives us a sound basis for the continued business dialogue. The Swedish–Dutch business relations run deep, which is reflected in the optimism felt by Swedish companies here”
– H.E. Ambassador of Sweden Mr. Johannes Oljelund
to register for the launch of the 4th Business Climate Survey 2024.
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Ingrid Tappin Inspirational Speaker at “Tech Talent & Diversity in Tech” Event May 23
Will we be seeing you at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast this week? We are very excited to welcome Ingrid Tappin, CEO and Founder of Diverse Leaders in Tech, as the inspirational speaker for the upcoming event ". This insightful event, hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and KPMG Meijburg & CO, will take place on May 23, 2024.
This event aims to move beyond discussing the necessity of diversity strategies and instead will focus on practical implementation. Ingrid Tappin, a leading figure in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), will provide actionable insights on how to effectively integrate DEI into the tech industry.
Ingrid Tappin is dedicated to setting the standard for DEI excellence in European tech. She leads the first community-driven DEI platform in the Netherlands through Diverse Leaders in Tech. Her organization employs a data-led approach, peer-to-peer learning solutions, and a robust DEI partner network to help companies attract, retain, and harness the innovation power of diverse teams, all supported by scalable tech solutions.
Ingrid Tappin’s commitment to social impact is evident in her efforts to foster inclusive workplaces that not only recognize but also leverage the benefits of diversity. Her work ensures that DEI initiatives are not just theoretical but practical and impactful, driving real change within organizations.
Join us on May 23 to gain valuable insights from Ingrid Tappin and learn how to transform your organization’s approach to diversity and inclusion. This event promises to be a pivotal moment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
To get out most of the Session, and Ingrid will refer to the results in her interactive presentation.
Ingrid Tappin is dedicated to setting the standard for DEI excellence in European tech. She leads the first community-driven DEI platform in the Netherlands through Diverse Leaders in Tech. Her organization employs a data-led approach, peer-to-peer learning solutions, and a robust DEI partner network to help companies attract, retain, and harness the innovation power of diverse teams, all supported by scalable tech solutions.
Ingrid Tappin’s commitment to social impact is evident in her efforts to foster inclusive workplaces that not only recognize but also leverage the benefits of diversity. Her work ensures that DEI initiatives are not just theoretical but practical and impactful, driving real change within organizations.
Join us on May 23 to gain valuable insights from Ingrid Tappin and learn how to transform your organization’s approach to diversity and inclusion. This event promises to be a pivotal moment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
To get out most of the Session, and Ingrid will refer to the results in her interactive presentation.
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Welcome to the Annual General Meeting on June 4, 2024
On June 4, 2024, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce will convene its 64th . The Nominating Committee has put forward two new Board Member candidates for 2024: Mark Verbakel, Managing Director of SKF Bv, and Fatih Noyan, Country Manager Netherlands at Ericsson. They are proposed to succeed Bernie van Leeuwen and Everth Flores, who stepped down from the Board over the past year due to new assignments outside the Swedish Chamber of Commerce community.
“The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands is dedicated to enhancing and strengthening business network opportunities between Sweden and the Netherlands, fostering business interactions between Swedish and Dutch cultures. Our mission is to inspire, promote, and expand commercial and industrial relations between Swedish and Dutch individuals and companies, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversity. The Nominating Committee firmly believes that the individuals proposed for new board positions will be instrumental in advancing this mission,” says Johan Uhlin, a member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s Nominating Committee.
During this Annual General Meeting, members will also be asked to approve the New Articles of Association. “The Governance Committee of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the existing Articles of Association, considering current legislation and governance codes while aiming to preserve our current operational methods. We propose an update and amendment to the Articles of Association, to be approved at the AGM on June 4. The Governance Committee, comprising Bert Heikens, Nils van Dijkman, and Kerstin Gerlagh, has collaborated closely with Remco Bosveld, a civil-law notary and partner at AKD Benelux Lawyers, to draft the new proposal,” explains Bert Heikens, Head of the Governance Committee.
This Annual General Meeting will also provide an opportunity to bid farewell and express our gratitude to Chairperson Johan Uhlin for his outstanding work and dedicated leadership of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce over the past years. After six years as Managing Director of Scania Production Zwolle, Johan Uhlin has been appointed Managing Director of Scania Sweden within Commercial Operations. The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is immensely proud and excited for Johan’s new appointment; however, this means that Johan’s time in the Netherlands will conclude as he relocates to Stockholm, Sweden, with his family. Consequently, Johan will be resigning as Chair of the Board of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
“I am incredibly proud and honored to have served as your Chair for the last two years and to have represented Scania on the Board of Directors for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce since April 2019. However, the time has come for my family and me to move on to future endeavours,” Johan says regarding his tenure at the Chamber.
In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce invites members and partners to join the Team Sweden
launch of the 4th . Curious about the success of Swedish companies and the keys to thriving in the Dutch market? You are welcome to join!
This year's invited speakers include Keynote Speaker Per-Arne Hjelmborn, Director-General for Trade at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and panelists Armanda Willems, Country Manager at Lime Technologies Netherlands; Johan Uhlin, Managing Director/CEO of Scania Production Nederland B.V., Zwolle; Ashkan Danaei, Key Account Director at Tetra Pak; and Michael Vallon, Head of Financial Control DACH/BNL at Getinge. The session will be moderated by Tomas Korseman, Trade & Invest Commissioner to the Netherlands.
for more information about the 64th Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, and to register for the launch of the 4th Business Climate Survey 2024.
“The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands is dedicated to enhancing and strengthening business network opportunities between Sweden and the Netherlands, fostering business interactions between Swedish and Dutch cultures. Our mission is to inspire, promote, and expand commercial and industrial relations between Swedish and Dutch individuals and companies, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversity. The Nominating Committee firmly believes that the individuals proposed for new board positions will be instrumental in advancing this mission,” says Johan Uhlin, a member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s Nominating Committee.
During this Annual General Meeting, members will also be asked to approve the New Articles of Association. “The Governance Committee of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the existing Articles of Association, considering current legislation and governance codes while aiming to preserve our current operational methods. We propose an update and amendment to the Articles of Association, to be approved at the AGM on June 4. The Governance Committee, comprising Bert Heikens, Nils van Dijkman, and Kerstin Gerlagh, has collaborated closely with Remco Bosveld, a civil-law notary and partner at AKD Benelux Lawyers, to draft the new proposal,” explains Bert Heikens, Head of the Governance Committee.
This Annual General Meeting will also provide an opportunity to bid farewell and express our gratitude to Chairperson Johan Uhlin for his outstanding work and dedicated leadership of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce over the past years. After six years as Managing Director of Scania Production Zwolle, Johan Uhlin has been appointed Managing Director of Scania Sweden within Commercial Operations. The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is immensely proud and excited for Johan’s new appointment; however, this means that Johan’s time in the Netherlands will conclude as he relocates to Stockholm, Sweden, with his family. Consequently, Johan will be resigning as Chair of the Board of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
“I am incredibly proud and honored to have served as your Chair for the last two years and to have represented Scania on the Board of Directors for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce since April 2019. However, the time has come for my family and me to move on to future endeavours,” Johan says regarding his tenure at the Chamber.
In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce invites members and partners to join the Team Sweden
launch of the 4th . Curious about the success of Swedish companies and the keys to thriving in the Dutch market? You are welcome to join!
This year's invited speakers include Keynote Speaker Per-Arne Hjelmborn, Director-General for Trade at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and panelists Armanda Willems, Country Manager at Lime Technologies Netherlands; Johan Uhlin, Managing Director/CEO of Scania Production Nederland B.V., Zwolle; Ashkan Danaei, Key Account Director at Tetra Pak; and Michael Vallon, Head of Financial Control DACH/BNL at Getinge. The session will be moderated by Tomas Korseman, Trade & Invest Commissioner to the Netherlands.
for more information about the 64th Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, and to register for the launch of the 4th Business Climate Survey 2024.
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Swedish Chamber Annual Sustainability Breakfast Returns on May 30
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated . This prestigious event, hosted by H.E. Ambassador of Sweden Mr. Johannes Oljelund, is a key gathering for business leaders from the Swedish-Dutch business community, providing a platform to exchange experiences and insights on sustainability and climate change.
This year we are very excited to welcome Keynote Speaker
Pär Stenmark, Chief Sustainability Officer at Inter IKEA Group
‘IKEA: taking action to pave the way for another 80 years’
Each year, the Sustainability Breakfast serves as an essential forum for networking and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of leaders, including entrepreneurs, politicians, and academics from both Sweden and the Netherlands. This blend of perspectives fosters a rich dialogue, driving forward-thinking solutions and partnerships in the realm of sustainability.
Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, informative presentations, and the chance to deepen their understanding of sustainability challenges and innovations. Whether you're looking to forge new business connections or gain fresh insights into sustainable practices, the Swedish Chamber Annual Sustainability Breakfast promises to be an invaluable experience.
Mark your calendars for May 30 and join us for a morning of meaningful exchanges and opportunities to advance the sustainability agenda.
This year we are very excited to welcome Keynote Speaker
Pär Stenmark, Chief Sustainability Officer at Inter IKEA Group
‘IKEA: taking action to pave the way for another 80 years’
Each year, the Sustainability Breakfast serves as an essential forum for networking and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of leaders, including entrepreneurs, politicians, and academics from both Sweden and the Netherlands. This blend of perspectives fosters a rich dialogue, driving forward-thinking solutions and partnerships in the realm of sustainability.
Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, informative presentations, and the chance to deepen their understanding of sustainability challenges and innovations. Whether you're looking to forge new business connections or gain fresh insights into sustainable practices, the Swedish Chamber Annual Sustainability Breakfast promises to be an invaluable experience.
Mark your calendars for May 30 and join us for a morning of meaningful exchanges and opportunities to advance the sustainability agenda.
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