CEO Agenda: The secrets of success with Jesper Brodin, CEO of IKEA

Jesper Brodin is the CEO of Sweden's most famous furniture company. Since he took over the yellow giant's global retail operations in 2017, the company has undergone a radical transformation. During his tenure, the INGKA Group (the official name of IKEA's retail arm) became a net producer of green energy; It opened secondhand stores and recycling programs in most of its locations; And in some major markets, such as Germany, they now sell more vegan meatballs than real ones.

Behind this strategic and operational transformation is a man who thinks deeply about the role he and his company play in the world. Yes, Brodin thinks about IKEA's growth and profitability, and the company's 20% growth in recent years is testimony to this commitment. But he would feel bad if that was his only legacy, he says, when the world he grew up in is at risk of extinction, both because the middle class is under pressure and because climate change is already wreaking havoc in many parts of the world. world.

We can't think of a better candidate to open our new CEO Agenda series, where we explore the lives and minds of some of the world's most influential and admired business leaders. Today we meet with Ingka Group CEO, Jesper Brodin.

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Down to work

luck: What is the most important project you are working on with your company?

Jesper Brodin: What's most important is how we can better serve people with limited wallets – by becoming more accessible to everyone. At the same time, growing our business and reducing carbon in line with the Paris Agreement. We know that being good is good for business, and we want to inspire more people to do the same.

What long-term trend are you most optimistic about for society and the economy as a whole?

Climate change. We are in the most critical decade for climate action, and it is the responsibility of our generation to solve and change the course of the current trend. It is still in our hands, and even if we can see a slight positive movement, we need to accelerate and collaborate across society, businesses and governments.

If you were an economic policy maker, what would be your top priority?

To make sure we incentivize the right investments when it comes to the transition to net zero.

Being productive

What time do you wake up, and what part of your morning routine prepares you for the day?

Coffee is important… Even after 7 hours of good sleep!

What time do you even work? Do you keep sending emails during nights and/or weekends?

I try to stop around 6pm. After work, I enjoy spending time with my family and exercising. This isn't always the case – but I try. My work never ends, and I can work until midnight and not finish.

What apps or methods do you use to be more productive?

Best way: Spend time with family, nature and exercise. And laugh often!

Who is on your Personal Board?

My wife and three teenage children. Thanks to them, I got a reality check on what's important in life. I also have a close relationship with our chair. Lars Johan Garnheimer, who was and still is a great support in difficult times, thanks to his simple and practical style.

Get personal

What is a book you have read recently or in the past that inspired you?

I recently read the book “The Hydrogen Revolution” by Marco Alvera. I enjoy the older writings of Steinbeck or Dostoyevsky, however, this was one of the most educational reads in a long time.

If you could ask your favorite celebrity one question, who would it be and what would you ask?

I have a lot of idols… I would like to ask my Youth Council what more we can do to spread hope and motivate action for a better world. I would also like to ask Douglas Adams if the answer to the meaning of life and everything is still 42.

As a consumer, what is your favorite company and why?

Assuming I can't vote for IKEA, I'll choose Volvo Cars. They make great vehicles and are committed to going 100% electric by 2030, despite the challenges. This is leadership in my opinion.

Finally, on a lighter note: What was the last outfit you wore?

Tux, if that matters. I felt a little underdressed as this is not my usual attire.

The CEO Agenda offers unique insights into how leaders think, lead, and what keeps them busy in an ever-changing world. We look into the lives, minds and agendas of CEOs at the world's most famous companies.