Magnus Welander is joining Hestra Gloves’ Board of Directors following 14 years as CEO of the Thule Group. He is an industry veteran, having worked in various management roles in international companies, including Tetra Pak and Envirotainer. He is also the Board Chair at helmet technology company Mips.
“We’re delighted to welcome Magnus to Hestra. His experience of building strong companies in the premium segment will strengthen the board’s skillset, making us better equipped to grow in existing and new markets and across all product categories. Magnus’ in-depth understanding of brand development and international business are especially welcome in our ongoing development phase,” says Anton Magnusson, CEO of Hestra Gloves.
The company said Hestra’s leadership reached out when Magnus stepped down from his role at Thule.
“The Magnusson family and the team at Hestra have done a fantastic job for decades, and I’ve always been a big user and huge fan of their top-quality gloves,” said Welander. “I’m excited to be able to play a part in the development journey the company is embarking on, and that feeling has only grown after spending time with the company’s owners, board and management. There’s a sense of openness and engagement here, and most of all, we share the view that business works best when heart and brain are working in tandem and when you’re all having fun together.”
As well as bringing an international outlook, Welander’s industry experience working as a “hands-on product-focused CEO” is a plus for Hestra’s management.
“Now that we’re investing more than ever in growth, also in new channels, the organization still needs to keep focusing on quality and innovation in categories where we already are leaders, which will be a key focus for me in my role as CEO,” said Magnusson. “It will be hugely valuable to have Magnus as a sounding board on operational and strategic issues, as he brings important perspectives from different realities in other successful companies.”
Photos courtesy Hestra Glove/Kent Malm
