ANNUAL REPORT Interview with the Chairman of the Board
GROWTH SUPPORTED BY AN ENGAGED BOARD
Competence succession in a competitive industry , growth and a dynamic , decisive board are key issues for Sigrun Hjelmquist , Chairman of the Board of Addnode Group .
WHAT ISSUES WERE AT THE TOP OF THE BOARD ’ S AGENDA IN 2015 ?
“ Just as in previous years , we have given priority to strategic growth issues – both organic and through acquisitions . When I first joined the Board , we were a Nordic group . After the acquisition of the British company Symetri in 2014 and the German company Transcat PLM in 2015 , we are now a European company with operations in a large number of countries . Our geographical expansion has put greater demands on the Board to ensure that we have a company management and organisation that can handle an international operation , which I feel we have .
“ Another priority issue is the Group ’ s competence succession . Addnode Group is a knowledge company , and our success depends on our ability to attract and retain the best talent . This competence issue itself is not unique for Addnode Group alone , but rather underscores the importance that we maintain a prominent position as an attractive employer .”
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE BOARD ’ S WORK ?
“ What is fundamental for a good board is that it is composed of people who have the time , enthusiasm and ability to contribute to the company ’ s development . While individual board members may have diverging opinions , there must be an understanding that the board makes decisions as a whole . I feel that we have a good mix of competencies and experience , which results in dynamic discussions before we make a decision . Together we have a broad base of expertise and experience from such areas as growth companies , IT and international business .”
“ Continued growth and internationalisation will be at the top of the agenda .”
SIGRUN HJELMQUIST , CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD , ADDNODE GROUP
WHAT WILL BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR THE BOARD IN 2016 ?
“ Continued growth and managing the challenges that come with increasingly international business will be at the top of the agenda . A fundamental feature of Addnode Group ’ s management culture is that a lot of the decision-making is done close to customers , and we will work further with the positive aspects of this . We could see in 2015 that in certain parts of the business , the business models will be changing , and we will be working proactively on monitoring the effects of these changes .”
72