Helen Emanuelsson, Chairman of the board.
Welcome a board, Helen!
Starting in September we have a new chairman of the board in Helen Emanuelsson.
What attracted you to the role?
What attracted me to Essem was that it's a well-managed family business with a rich history and well-designed and beautiful products, with a great potential for further development. After meeting CEO Robert Bladh and the rest of the family, and visiting their factory in the heart of Småland, I look forward to collaborating with them.
What is your background?
I have been running my own business in the field of business and strategy development for several years, primarily in the furniture and design industry, where I have worked for many years and built a large network, both in Sweden and internationally. I also have several board positions alongside my company. Before that, I was at Bolon, an international design brand that manufactures flooring and carpets for public spaces, where I held several positions during my 11 years with the company, such as Global Sales Director, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, and Chief Business Development Officer. Prior to that, I worked as a brand strategist and in communication, and a few years ago, I was one of the driving forces behind the then-annual design event FutureDesignDays – where I initially began building my industry network.
The furniture and design industry is a fantastic world to operate in, where you encounter many inspiring and creative individuals, brands, and companies!
What are your tips for creating a more welcoming home?
The most important thing is to decorate with what you truly like, to make it personal and inviting. The hallway and entrance are the first room you encounter, and they should be both welcoming and functional with good and smart storage. With well-designed, sustainable hallway furniture that combines functionality with appealing design, you have all you need for creating a welcoming first impression!