SAS CEO Rickard Gustafson, 56, is leaving his position after 10 years, according to a press release. He is leaving to become CEO of ball bearing group SKF.
Hans Stråberg, Chairman of the Board of AB SKF, says:
”After a thorough and robust search process, we are very pleased to welcome Rickard Gustafson to SKF. Rickard Gustafson’s strong and modern leadership, broad international experience and energy make him the right person to lead the continued implementation of SKF’s strategy and take SKF to the next level of profitable growth and development.
On the SAS side, the tone is more gloomy. Rickard Gustafson will stay until July at the latest.
”"I am both disappointed and sad that Rickard is choosing to move on from his important role at SAS. At the same time, I would like to thank Rickard for his fantastic job during the ten years he has served as President and CEO," says SAS Chairman Carsten Dilling in a comment.
Rickard Gustafson is leaving SAS with a new job ahead of him. It was announced in November last year that Alrik Danielson would be leaving SKF after a total of 25 years with the company.
”"The board, together with Alrik Danielson, has assessed that now is the right time to identify a new CEO who can continue to deliver on the company's strategy," SKF said at the time.
In the press release from SAS, Rickard Gustafson emphasizes that it is time for him to move on.
”"After ten intense and stimulating years at SAS, it is time to pass the baton on in the first half of 2021, as I have been offered a position in one of Sweden's leading industrial groups. SAS has a strong position in the Scandinavian market and is well positioned to lead the development towards more sustainable air travel as soon as the pandemic has been combated. I would like to express my warm thanks to all valued colleagues, customers and other stakeholders at SAS for their commitment, loyalty and support that is always shown, both in good times and bad."”
The board has begun the search for Rickard Gustafson's successor, something that can certainly be challenging during a raging pandemic.
”SAS is still in a critical – but stable position – and the board has of course immediately begun the process of appointing a new CEO for SAS,” says Carsten Dilling.
Before Rickard Gustafson joined SAS ten years ago, he was CEO of the insurance company Codan/Trygg Hansa and has held several positions at General Electric.
