Stockmann, a Finnish listed company engaged in the retail trade, has appointed Per Thelin, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from the 10th of November, 2014.
Per Thelin, a B.Sc. Economics Graduate and a Swedish citizen, currently works as a consultant and he has been senior advisor for companies such as Atria and Eletrolux Retail.
He has previously worked as the president and CEO of Inflight Service Group from 2010 to 2011 and as the president and the CEO of Venue Retail Group from 2006 to 2009. Prior to these, he worked as the CEO and a member of the Board in MT Owner from 2005 to 2006 and as the president and the CEO for Biltema from 2003 to 2004. He has worked in the retail business since the 1970s.
Kaj-Gustaf Bergh, the chairman of Stockmann’s Board of Directors said, “Per Thelin has a wide and versatile experience and a successful track record as the CEO in several companies. The common factor for his previous positions and the CEO position at Stockmann is the need for improving profitability in the international business environment. I am convinced that Per has great potential to turn Stockmann’s financial performance up.”
Per Thelin said, “I’m excited about working at Stockmann, which is a well-known company and a forerunner in its field. I believe that my experience in leading the change will be particularly useful in this position. Stockmann’s new strategic direction, a strong brand as well as the skillful personnel, are a combination which enables the new Stockmann’s success in the multichannel retail market.”
Stockmann has almost 60,000 shareholders and about 15,000 employees. The Group’s revenue in 2013 was € 2.037 billion. Stockmann’s two divisions are the Department Store Division and the Fashion Chain Division, which operate in sixteen countries. (GK)
