Suggestions
Claes Fredlund
Regional Director – North Sea and Southern Europe at Axel Johnson International AB
Professional Background
Claes Fredlund is a highly accomplished engineer and leader with a wealth of experience in operations, sales, and marketing. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach and entrepreneurial mindset, he transforms strategy into action effectively. With over five years of dedicated leadership experience, Claes has demonstrated his ability to manage both small teams, including senior directors at Nicoccino, and larger teams, such as those at OSM Group, where he was responsible for a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees, overseeing 83 staff members. His expertise spans several industries, showcased through a variety of significant roles that highlight his adaptability and leadership skills.
Claes has established himself as a team member and leader through his commitment to transparency and open communication. He is known for his strong drive, curiosity, and pragmatism, which allow him to overcome challenges and drive operational excellence. His international experience, which includes six years working abroad, underlines his capacity to thrive in multicultural environments, enhancing team dynamics and performance.
Education and Achievements
Claes began his academic journey with a Master of Science in Industrial Management and Engineering from the prestigious Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, which laid the foundation for his technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Further enhancing his knowledge base, Claes studied at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), where he refined his understanding of global economic and policy landscapes, critical for executing strategies in diverse markets.
Throughout his career, Claes has held numerous key positions, each contributing to his broad spectrum of skills in project management, business development, and financial oversight. As the Regional Director for North Sea and Southern Europe at Axel Johnson International AB, he drove significant initiatives that required both strategic vision and operational acumen. Claes previously served as the Financial Director at the same organization, gaining valuable insight into the financial mechanisms that underlie successful business operations.
His tenure as Project Manager at AxLoad and Operations Director at OSM Group AB equipped him with extensive experience in managing complex projects and driving organizational improvements. His early career included a vital role as a Management Trainee and Assistant to the CEO at OSM Group AB, where he gained first-hand knowledge in executive management that would inform his later leadership strategies.
Overall, Claes’s academic background and his professional journey reveal a commitment to ongoing learning and leadership in engineering and business development.
Notable Contributions
Claes Fredlund has made significant contributions to every organization he has been a part of. As Director of Business Development at Nicoccino, he was pivotal in steering the company's growth by identifying key market opportunities and enhancing organizational strategies, further establishing his reputation as an action-oriented leader.
In his various roles at OSM Group AB, Claes was instrumental in harmonizing operations and optimizing resource utilization, thereby improving efficiency and productivity across departments. His earlier experience at IKEA provided him with foundational skills, particularly in team leadership and operational management, which have been critical in his subsequent roles.
As a teaching assistant at Lund Institute of Technology, Claes was able to influence the education of the next generation of engineers while simultaneously expanding his own understanding of engineering principles, setting him on a path of continuous professional development.
Conclusion
Claes Fredlund is a dynamic and versatile engineer whose career reflects a rich blend of leadership, project management, and strategic development. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to problem-solving, Claes continues to make positive impacts in the fields of engineering and business development. His expertise in managing teams, coupled with his international experience and educational background, positions him as a leader capable of driving meaningful change in any organization he is part of.