After just over two years in GOOD Geir Stormorken will step down as CEO on June 30. The board has appointed BRA's commercial manager Ulrika Matsgård as the new CEO. She will take office on July 1.
In connection with the change of CEO, owner Per G Braathen will take over as chairman of BRA's board. Geir Stormorken will continue to be a member of the company's board. At the same time, he will return to his job in the owner company Braganza AB.Kthe right to pass the baton on
Geir took over as CEO of BRA in March 2019. During the period up to March 2020, he, together with BRA's management team, led the company through a major restructuring under the name "A Sustainable BRA". The program resulted in a phasing out of the jet operations, resulting in a reduction in the number of employees.
When COVID-19 struck, the company was further forced to enter into a formal corporate restructuring which was successfully completed in September 2020. On May 12, BRA restarted flight operations again and the results so far have exceeded expectations.
“I am leaving behind a demanding but inspiring period together with BRA:s fantastic employees. As we now enter a new phase with a focus on growth and profitability, it feels right to pass the baton to Ulrika. I have worked closely with her for two years and know that she has the drive, experience and qualities required in the next phase. I look forward to seeing Ulrika, together with the rest of the management team, develop the company further..” Says Geir Stormorken.
VActively driving the development of the company
Ulrika Matsgård has a long and solid background from leadership roles in the IT/telecom industry and was hired as commercial manager at BRA in the fall of 2017. During her years at the company, she has been a driving force in developing the company's business, brand, customer satisfaction, organization, digitalization and efficiency.
“I am extremely happy, grateful and of course humbled to have been entrusted with leading this fine company forward in a situation where much after the pandemic is an unwritten page. But that is also what I am most looking forward to. Together with all my fantastic colleagues, finding a way to become even better at taking care of our customers and their travel needs now and in the future. The strong customer focus, the high flexibility with a reduced cost level and the clear, solid sustainability strategy we have with us out of the crisis are some examples of why I feel we have every opportunity to succeed.” Says Ulrika Matsgård.
Enew exciting phase in the company's history
BRA is now at the starting blocks for a new phase in the company's history, which is about creating profitable growth in an uncertain market and in a fiercely competitive industry after the pandemic, while simultaneously raising its sustainability position to new heights. Succeeding in this will be crucial for the company's future.
“Geir had worked with me in the ownership company Braganza for over 20 years when he stepped in operationally as CEO of BRA two years ago with the task of restructuring and cutting costs. In the midst of the transition, the pandemic came, making the transition even more challenging. Geir has done a brilliant job leading the company through this crisis and up until the restart of flights we made in mid-May.” Says Per G Braathen, owner of BRA. ”During her almost four years at BRA, Ulrika has demonstrated strong leadership both commercially and for the organization. She has a lot of energy, a great drive for results and a tireless focus on seeing opportunities and not obstacles. I am therefore very pleased that Ulrika has chosen to accept the assignment as the new CEO of BRA.”
