2024-12-09
The Jury for CEO of the Year 2024: Leadership Role Models in Focus
The prestigious CEO of the Year award, presented annually by the leadership platform Motivation.se, continues to celebrate success by spotlighting role models within Swedish business. One of the most critical tasks, aside from selecting the winner, is assembling the jury. This year, it comprises four experienced experts, including two previous recipients of the award.
– Initiatives like the CEO of the Year award play a vital role, especially in an uncertain and complex world. By highlighting role models, we reinforce the collective value of leadership—something more crucial today than ever, says Per Winblad, CEO and editor-in-chief of Motivation.se.
The jury for CEO of the Year 2024 includes four leaders and experts with extensive experience and insights into business and leadership. Per Winblad serves as the jury chair. Joining him are Patrik Bjerred Andersson from Serneke Invest, Sofi Franzén from EVENTYR NINE YARDS, and Peter Hellgren from Consid. Both Sofi Franzén and Peter Hellgren are former recipients of the CEO of the Year award, giving them unique insights into the prize’s significance and the qualities required for leadership success.
– It was a real boost and gave me a sense of being on the right track when I received the award in 2016. Being part of selecting this year’s winner is incredibly enjoyable and an honor. I believe talented leaders deserve recognition. Leadership is something I’m passionate about, and it’s vital to highlight good role models who can inspire others, says Peter Hellgren, CEO of Consid, jury member, and former recipient of the CEO of the Year award.
The jury’s mission is to select winners who excel in three key areas: leadership, sustainability, and profitability. Leadership involves developing and inspiring employees, sustainability means taking responsibility for the company’s impact on society from economic, social, and environmental perspectives, and profitability ensures the company can grow and contribute over the long time.
Per Winblad emphasizes that CEO of the Year plays an essential role in recognizing and celebrating leaders who balance business success with moral integrity.
– A values-driven CEO must combine strategic thinking with a clear moral compass. By highlighting these role models, we can inspire more people to reflect on their leadership and collectively contribute to a sustainable business community, he says.
Selecting the jury is, in many ways, just as significant and demanding as determining which nominee will ultimately win. Jury members must be individuals who inspire in various ways and serve as excellent role models by meeting the competition’s criteria.
– A successful CEO must be authentic and self-aware, with the ability to lead with empathy and credibility that builds trust within the organization. Strong communication skills and the courage to make difficult decisions with integrity, even in uncertain times, are also essential. These are the qualities we seek in the individuals selected for the jury, says Per Winblad.
The award is presented in four categories: small companies with up to 49 employees or a turnover of no more than SEK 100 million, medium-sized companies with up to 249 employees or a turnover of no more than SEK 500 million, large companies exceeding these thresholds, and Young CEO of the Year, aimed at leaders under 30 years old.
Winners for each category in this year’s CEO of the Year will be announced throughout December.