The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is looking for a new intern, Spring 2025
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is seeking an intern for the spring semester of 2025, from January 20 to June 8 2025.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands provides a dynamic networking platform to promote collaboration between Swedish and Dutch businesses. For the spring semester of 2025, we are offering an internship opportunity to a motivated and ambitious student approaching the end of their education. As an intern, you become part of a dynamic, close-knit team that brings the Chambers mission and vision to life. The position creates opportunities for creative young talent to deepen their knowledge of international trade, business relations and Marketing and Communication for 20 weeks at our dynamic office in Amsterdam. The application deadline is November 4, 2024, and recruitment is ongoing. Click for more information and to apply.
More
Ingka Group completes acquisition of Ikano Bank to strengthen its financial services offer for IKEA customers
On October 17, 2024 Ingka Group announced the completion of the full acquisition of Ikano Bank AB (publ), following the required approvals from regulatory authorities. With this acquisition, Ingka Group becomes the sole owner of Ikano Bank, further strengthening its ability to offer affordable and accessible financial services to IKEA customers. As part of this transition, changes to the board of directors and management at Ikano Bank will come into effect.
“This was really our founder, Ingvar Kamprad’s dream, which we share, and by deepening the partnership, we aim to strengthen and integrate financial services that are simple and accessible, to improve the IKEA experience for customers”
– Peter van der Poel, Managing Director of Ingka Investments
Following clearances from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), the European Commission, and other relevant authorities, Ingka Group has completed the full acquisition* of Ikano Bank. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between the two entities that is to support IKEA customers with integrated financial services.
Ikano Bank and Ingka Group share a common heritage, both being founded by Ingvar Kamprad, which has fostered a long-standing partnership where Ikano Bank is serving as one of IKEA’s financial service providers across eight markets.
“We are excited to finally complete the acquisition which marks an important step forward in our shared journey. This was really our founder, Ingvar Kamprad’s dream, which we share, and by deepening the partnership, we aim to strengthen and integrate financial services that are simple and accessible, to improve the IKEA experience for customers. With Ikano Bank’s expertise, we see many opportunities to support sustainable and affordable living solutions,” says Peter van der Poel, Managing Director of Ingka Investments.
Leveraging Ikano Bank’s expertise, Ingka Group aims to offer affordable and accessible financial solutions to customers, fully aligned with the IKEA vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people. The full ownership allows Ingka Group to further develop its capabilities to deliver seamless financial services to more people, as the service will be embedded throughout the customer journey and IKEA Family membership. Additionally, this acquisition reflects a broader transformation of IKEA as omnichannel retailer, incorporating more digital tools, services, and applications to meet the ever-changing customer needs.
This also opens new opportunities for the bank to leverage IKEA’s strong brand and customer traffic even further, ultimately fostering shared growth and customer value. The priority is to optimise and enhance the existing financial services currently offered to best serve customers, in the markets where Ikano Bank operates.
After serving as CEO since 2019 and playing a pivotal role in leading the bank in its transformation journey, Henrik Eklund will leave his assignment and Niclas Olsson, currently CFO of Ikano Bank, will assume the role of acting CEO until a permanent successor is recruited.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Henrik for his dedication and leadership over the last years. His commitment has been instrumental in shaping the bank’s direction,” adds Peter van der Poel.
Ikano Bank will remain a separate legal entity with Ingka Group representation in its governance structure, continuing to work with its existing partners and business lines. While IKEA customer finance currently represents around 30 percent of the bank’s business, Ikano Bank has also developed a significant portion of non-IKEA business, which it intends to support and grow alongside IKEA-related offerings. Ingka Group will also continue to collaborate with partners across its IKEA Retail markets to deliver financial services to customers, ensuring a broader and integrated approach to financial services.
“We’re thrilled to join Ingka Group and continue to expand the journey we’ve embarked on together over the past years. Strengthening our collaboration with the world’s largest home furnishing retailer opens up even more opportunities, enabling us to deliver simple, fair, and affordable services to more IKEA customers, our other partners and end customers.” comments Niclas Olsson, acting CEO of Ikano Bank.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Peter van der Poel will be appointed as a board member of Ikano Bank and Lone Fønss Schrøder will be appointed as the new chairperson. The board of directors will thereafter consist of Lone Fønss Schrøder, Peter van der Poel, Viveka Strangert, Diederick van Thiel, Heather Jackson, Mikael Palmquist and Lars Ljungälv.
To read more click here:
Photo Credits: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se
More
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2024
As the world turns its attention to the Nobel Prizes, we are thrilled to announce the latest laureate in literature!
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to the esteemed South Korean author "for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life".
In her oeuvre, Han Kang delves into the depths of historical traumas and the invisible sets of rules that govern our lives. Each of her works reveals the delicate balance between body and soul, the living and the dead, and in her poetic and experimental style has become an innovator in contemporary prose.
Alfred Nobel had a deep appreciation for culture and literature, which blossomed during his youth. His extensive library featured a diverse array of works in multiple languages, and in the latter years of his life, he even ventured into fiction writing. Literature was the fourth prize category Nobel mentioned in his will, underscoring its significance in his vision for the awards.
For more insights on this year’s laureate, visit .
Illustration credits: III. Niklas Elmehed @ Nobel Prize Outreach
Illustration credits: III. Niklas Elmehed @ Nobel Prize Outreach
More
Karin Degerfeldt, Skellefteå Municipality, will present at the Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2024 on December 6
We are delighted to announce Karin Degerfeldt, Sustainability Strategist at Skellefteå Municipality, as one of the distinguished speakers at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2024 on December 6, 2024.
Karin Degerfeldt is a sustainability manager at Skellefteå Municipality, Sweden, and an economist with a focus on sustainable development by training. She previously served as the project manager for Skellefteå’s major infrastructure projects linked to Europe’s largest industrial establishment. Her efforts in innovative procurement methods and spokesperson for the sustainable development in a fast growing city earned her a nomination for "Sustainability Person of the Year" by the Swedish Green Building Council.
Join us as Karin shares her insights into sustainable growth strategies and how fast-growing cities can leverage innovation to drive positive change. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of Sweden's foremost sustainability leaders!
Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainability! Click to register.
More
Sustainability Committee of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce launches a new Sustainability Project
On September 25, the Sustainability Committee of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce launched a new Sustainability Project. This initiative is spearheaded by Malin Alders, a management trainee in business development at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and Manon Kuiper, a consultant at BridgeHead The Hague - powered by Saab Netherlands. Together, they will plan a project to be executed by two master’s students as part of their thesis, aiming to deliver meaningful benefits for the members of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
“We can’t wait to see this project take shape and foster impactful collaborations,” says Malin and Manon. Stay tuned for more updates!
Jan Terlouw, Director Saab Nederland and Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Committee, initiator of this pilot project, is very enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring Young Professionals, students and the Swedish Chamber closer together for impactful collaborations driving Sustainable Transition.
More
David Coelingh Bennink, AstraZeneca, will be speaking at Tech for Good, November 7
We are thrilled to announce that David Coelingh Bennink, Head of Policy at AstraZeneca, will be speaking at the Tech Table – Tech for Good presentation, hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce on November 7, 2024, from 16:00 to 19:00
Having worked in patient engagement and public affairs at EU-level and locally as commercial lead in oncology and infectious diseases, David is in pharmaceuticals for almost 15 years. David is an expert on the role of well fitting, personalized health care in changing people’s lives. All around the world, health systems are under pressure. At AstraZeneca we’re transforming care to work towards futureproof patient care pathways – from prevention, early detection and diagnosis to the effective treatment of disease.
Join us to hear David’s insights on “Moving Towards Screening and Early Protection: How We’re Transforming Care.”, engage with industry leaders and explore the future of tech innovation for the greater good!
Click to register!
More
Membership offer 2024 – 2025, Unlock Your Potential with a unique business network!
Become a part of a professional networking platform with 200+ members. Create valuable connections in a diverse business network that includes companies of various sizes, ranging from smaller startups to larger multinational corporations. The Swedish Chambers membership base spans across 24+ sectors, showcasing a broad spectrum of industries.
Why Join Us?
- Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.
- Access Opportunities: Gain insights and collaborations that can elevate your business.
- Exclusive Benefits: Enjoy member-only resources, events, and support.
More
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2024
With great anticipation surrounding the Nobel Prizes, we are proud to announce the 2024 laureates in Economic Sciences!
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2024 has been awarded to , and “for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity.”
Their research has provided groundbreaking insights into how institutions influence a nation's economic development, helping us understand the factors that drive prosperity over the long term. By examining the role of institutions, the laureates have contributed to a deeper understanding of what fosters growth and prosperity in societies.
Alfred Nobel’s vision for the Nobel Prize extended to economics, recognising the significant role that institutions and governance play in shaping the world’s economies.
For more information on this year’s laureates, visit
Illustration credits: III. Niklas Elmehed @ Nobel Prize Outreach
Illustration credits: III. Niklas Elmehed @ Nobel Prize Outreach
More
