Due to circumstances beyond our control, tonight’s event has been postponed.
Jesper Brodin was one of the most influential people in the world in 2024 Time Magazinehas worked at IKEA for the past 30 years and has included the past 8 years as CEO. Brodin, an engineer through training, communicated trends to solve problems and build solutions to his work as a global leader and climate advocate.
In addition to being a leader in international companies, he is also a member of the Brodin board of directors. World Resources Institutechair Team BVice-Chairman of United Nations Global Compact Co-chairman of CEO Climate Leaders’ World Economic Forum Alliance.
on tuesday, March 11thBrodin comes to Columbia Climate School and gives lectures on the Signature Speaker Series, “It’s Good Business to Become a Good Business.” The planetary state spoke with Brodin ahead of his upcoming talk on his career path, the lessons he learned, and why he wants to help him move towards a climate-smart future.
Could you please talk a little about your academic background and career? How did you become president and CEO of IKEA?
I was born and raised in Gothenburg, on the west coast of Sweden. It is known for its proximity to the ocean and vibrant culture. I hold a Masters in Industrial Engineering from Chalmers Institute of Technology, in the city where I grew up. My IKEA trip began in 1995 as a Pakistan purchase manager and has since been an incredible learning experience. I have overcome many roles, ranging from regional purchasing managers in Southeast Asia to assistants of IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad and former CEO Anders Dahlvig. Before becoming CEO in 2017, I led Ikea in Sweden/Scope and Supply, overseeing product development and supply chains. Each role taught me something valuable about leadership and the power to connect people.
How do you integrate your work as a climate advocate with your work as a global business leader? What are your biggest challenges and opportunities?
To me, purpose and profit are closely related. It’s not in either situation. Being a good business is simply a good business. Since 2016, this has proven by expanding our business by 23.7% while reducing our climate footprint by 30.1%. The biggest challenge is speed. We are the most important decade of climate action and we need to accelerate change. Opportunities lie in innovation and collaboration. Putting together different perspectives and capabilities, you can create solutions that benefit both people and planets.
Can you discuss projects or initiatives you are particularly proud of?
Some of my proudest moments include achieving reduced carbon while growing your business. It’s a huge thing for us and I’m very proud of it. Furthermore, as people’s wallets are thinning, the decision to invest 2.1 billion euros in recent years to cut prices for thousands of products is also an indication of who we are as a company and as a brand. These results and many more demonstrate that they can have a positive impact while growing your business.
“We are the first generation that will become part of creating a good, sustainable future for people and the planet. It should inspire us all.”
You set the company climate goal By 2030, we had halved our emissions and achieved net zero by 2050. What does that mean and is it going to achieve this?
The latest state is to reduce the carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. We have already come a long way in that journey and are confident we have a good plan to head towards the final miles. I recently started a transition plan. Here we share details of our past achievements and future journeys. you can Find it here.
What kind of climate and sustainability initiatives do you want to see from a global company in the future?
We need to see bolder ambitions, collaborations and actions from both the public and private sectors. The World Economic Forum has recently been launched Report It shows that the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of aggressive investment. Industry can reduce 10-60% of its emissions at additional or limited costs. And it is only when we work together that we can change the course of climate change.
What would you tell someone who starts in the climate and sustainability sector? Have you received memorable advice?
There are many heroes in this field. One of them is, of course, founder Ingvar Kamprad. [paved the way] For us at IKEA Flat packmaterial innovation, and serve people who always have thin wallets. Being a father of three is more than anything, three reasons, and three reasons, leading to a transition to a climate-smart future. Firstly, based on today’s facts and consciousness, we cannot allow ourselves to pass this. [challenge] For the next generation. Secondly, it is clear that our customers and colleagues around the world expect us to lead the way. People unselect brands that aren’t. Expectations are not perfect, but because of sincere intentions and influential actions. Third, here’s the good news. This is perfect for business.
Climate smart generally means cost smart. Waste is always expensive and every step of building a sustainable business model will drive a positive economic impact. We are the first generation that will become part of creating a good, sustainable future for people and the planet. It should inspire us all.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, tonight’s event has been postponed.
