Meet our candidates: Anette Holm

My specialty is international growth and I have been leading businesses to double-digit growth across industries, working out of Europe and the Middle East, also being responsible for business in US and Asia.

For me, success begins with a strong and visionary strategy that identify growth opportunities linked to the company’s core competences. This, topped with an ambition to take lead on future market needs and having the right team in place to execute, create a strong cocktail for competitive advantage and future growth.

Among the most important building blocks in a strong strategy today are, innovation, digitalization and ESG. All areas I have worked with and that have proven to be important growth drivers when growing outside your home market, because they help to differentiate and drive value and efficiency.

Do you have any specific experiences in a board context that you would like to highlight?

In a Norwegian company, we decided that ESG was a central element of the strategy, communicating ambition and results clearly to customers. This generated additional volume- and revenue growth, while at the same time improving reputation and earnings.

In an Eastern European company, formulation of a new more focused strategy, building on current strengths and deselecting non-core areas, combined with adding ambition to new product areas and channels, improved earnings and secured the foundation for new investments.

And in a company in the Middle East, an innovative take on digitalization, generated both efficiency, higher consumer engagement and boosted growth. Moreover, focus on Social and Government (in the ESG), opened the door to a first-ever cooperation with the Government.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle for companies to succeed?

The uncertain geo-political situation, the changes in climate and the fast emergence of artificial intelligence require that we lead business differently. The risk is however, that we overreact in one direction, or another i.e. move to fast or move backwards.

A close and value-adding cooperation between a diverse Board of Directors and an experienced Executive Management Team, increases the chances for striking the right balance resulting in continued growth of business and shareholder value. ??

What is it about board work that excites you so much?

I am passionate about releasing the full potential of a business and make a positive difference for all stakeholders and shareholders. Hence, if my 25 years of experience and network from different industries across 5 continents, can help Scandinavian companies to become more international, more ESG focused, more innovative or more digital savvy, I am ready to support.

Furthermore, I am curious by nature, and I enjoy working together with skilled people across the globe to grow business sustainable and profitable. ?