ABG Sundal Collier (“ABGSC”) today announced the plan for succession of the Chairman and CEO roles.
The nomination committee will for the upcoming Annual General Meeting, to be held in April 2019, propose Knut Brundtland to be the Executive Chairman of the ABGSC Board of Directors, replacing Judy Bollinger who has decided to not run for re-election following her 13 years’ service on the Board. Beyond the responsibilities as Executive Chairman, Brundtland will focus on business generation, client relations, and the developing of new growth initiatives throughout the Group. Brundtland will remain a partner in the firm and continue to work from ABGSC’s Oslo offices and has undertaken to serve as Executive Chairman for a minimum of six years.
Jonas Ström, who has been a partner at ABGSC for eight years, currently holds the position as Head of Investment Banking Sweden and is a member of the Group Executive Committee, will assume the position as Group CEO in April 2019. Ström will also serve as Managing Partner for Sweden, replacing Karl Berglund who after 12 years’ service in various roles has decided to seek new opportunities. Johan Lindén, who has been with the firm for nine years and currently holds the position as Deputy Head of Investment Banking Sweden, will take up the position as Head of Investment Banking Sweden and become a member of the Group Executive Committee. 
“Since I joined ABGSC, it has been a key priority to further develop our uniquely integrated Nordic platform and partnership culture. While strongly improving our operational platform and market position in Sweden, we have also developed a very geographically balanced management organisation. I look forward to continuing to contribute to developing ABGSC for many years to come, while doing even more of what I love the most – interacting with clients and generating new business.”, Brundtland said, in a statement about the management changes. 
Ström stated: “I was honoured and excited when being asked to take up the position as group CEO. I am extremely motivated about the opportunity to play an even stronger role in continuing to develop our Nordic franchise. By further leveraging our uniquely integrated Nordic platform, I am convinced ABGSC will be of even more relevance for existing as well as new clients in developing their business for the future. We will continue to work hard cementing our position as the premier independent Nordic investment bank. I look forward to lead the best team in the industry and contribute to ABGSC reaching its full potential.” 
Judy Bollinger commented that “Our plan for succession is a function of a thorough process and truly shows the strength of ABGSC’s partnership culture and organisation, allowing people to take up different positions over time. We strongly believe in identifying ample talent within the organisation and in Jonas we have the best possible candidate to lead ABGSC and working closely with Knut in his new role as Executive Chairman to expand our business”. 
The firm would like to take the opportunity to thank Karl Berglund for his long-term contribution and efforts in building the ABGSC business and brand in Sweden.
Brundtland will in addition acquire a total of up to 10 million shares with partner restrictions over the next three years. Furthermore, Ström will acquire a total of 2.75 million shares at regular partner terms over the next two years. These transactions will take place in connection with the annual ABGSC partner share offerings.
Contact: 
Judy Bollinger: +44 7790 365 255
Knut Brundtland: +47 22 01 60 07
Jonas Ström: +46 768 09 88 44

Published: 2 Sep, 2018