Carl-Henric Svanberg – Chair of Volvo | In Good Company | Norges Bank Investment Management

Carl-Henric Svanberg is a name that resonates deeply within the global corporate arena. From humble beginnings in a small village in Sweden, Svanberg has navigated the complex landscapes of major companies like Assa Abloy, Ericsson, BP, and Volvo. In an enlightening session of the podcast In Good Company, hosted by Nicolai Tangen, he shared invaluable insights into his leadership philosophy, strategies for managing crises, and the dynamic roles between a CEO and a Chair.

Understanding Leadership

For Svanberg, leadership is fundamentally about maximizing the potential of people and guiding them towards clear targets.

"Leadership is how do you get the most out of your people and how do you move towards a target." - Carl-Henric Svanberg

From a Tiny Village to the Global Stage

Svanberg's journey began in a remote village located north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden. His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and adaptability, qualities that he believes are crucial for leaders.

• Moved 15 times before the age of 20
• Developed a sense of resilience and flexibility
• Learned the importance of forging connections quickly

Successful Acquisitions at Assa Abloy

Transitioning to his time at Assa Abloy, Svanberg led this initially struggling lock company through a remarkable transformation, primarily through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies.

Crisis Management at BP

Joining BP just before the infamous Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Svanberg faced an unprecedented crisis. His approach included consistent communication with board members and focused efforts to manage the external narrative.

"You can either say nothing and look like an idiot or you say something and look even worse the next day." - Carl-Henric Svanberg

• Developed strong lines of communication with board members
• Prioritized relationships with external stakeholders
• Implemented a $20 billion fund to support those affected by the spill

Transforming Volvo

At Volvo, Carl-Henric Svanberg has concentrated on simplifying operations and driving profitability. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to dealing with climate change and fostering innovation.

1. Streamlining processes across departments
2. Investing in sustainable technology
3. Encouraging a culture of open communication and accountability

The Chair's Role

Svanberg emphasizes the significance of the Chair's position in recruiting the right CEO and fostering a collaborative atmosphere in which ideas can flourish.

• Being the ultimate responsible figure in recruiting leadership
• Creating a supportive environment for the CEO
• Utilizing board members effectively

Conclusion

Carl-Henric Svanberg is not only a remarkable leader but also a visionary thinker who understands the importance of resilience, trust, and adaptability in leadership. His experiences underscore the essence of fostering an organizational culture where every member feels valued and aware of their contribution towards collective goals.

For deeper insights into transformative leadership, listen to the full episode of In Good Company by Norges Bank Investment Management.

Related Topics

• Leadership Philosophy
• Crisis Management Techniques
• Corporate Culture Transformation