Jesper Brodin, one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2024 according to Time magazine, has worked in IKEA for the last three decades – including the last eight years like CEO. An engineer training, Brodin has channeled his problem solving and building solutions to his work as a global leader and climate lawyer.
In addition to the service of an international company, Brodin is also a member of the Board of the Institute of World Resources, Chairman of Team B, Vice President of KB Global Compact and a co-chair of the World Alliance of the Ceo Climate Economic Forum.
On Tuesday, March 11, Brodin will come to Klima School in Colombia to give the lecture of the signature speakers series, “Business A good business to be a good business.” The planet’s condition spoke to Brod before his next conversation about his career path, the lessons he has learned, and why he wants to help lead the transition to the climate.
Can you talk a little about your academic background and career? How did you become the president and IKEA CEO?
I was born and raised in the town of Gothenburg on the western coast of Sweden, known for its proximity to its living ocean and culture. I hold a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Chalmers, which is also located in the city where I grew up. My trip to IKEA began in 1995 as a shopping manager in Pakistan, and has been an extraordinary learning experience since then. I have moved through different roles – from the regional shopping manager in Southeast Asia to be assistant to IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad and former CEO Anders Dahlvig. Before I became CEO in 2017, I led the IKEA of Sweden/Range & supply, overseeing the development of the product and the supply chain. Role every role taught me something valuable about the leadership and power of uniting people.
How do you integrate your work as a climate advocate with your work as a global business leader? What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities?
For me, goal and profit go parallel – is not one/or situation. Being a good business is just good business. We have proven this by reducing our climate trail by 30.1% since 2016 while we increased the business by 23.7%. The biggest challenge is speed – we are in the most important decade of climate action, and we must accelerate the difference. The opportunity lies in innovation and cooperation; When combining different perspectives and abilities, we can create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Can you discuss any project or initiative that you are particularly proud of?
Some of my most proud moments include achieving carbon reduction as business growth. That’s great for us, and I’m very proud of that. Moreover, our decision to invest € 2.1 billion in lowering prices in thousands of products in recent years, as people’s wallets have become thinner is also something that shows who we are as a company and brand. These achievements and much more show that we can create a positive impact when growing our business.
“We are the first generation to be part of creating a sustainable future that is good for people and the planet. This must inspire us all.”
You have set a climate goal of the company to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Neto-Zero by 2050. What does this mean and how do you plan to do so?
We are planning to reduce our carbon trail 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050, later. We’ve already made a long way on that trip and I’m sure we have a good plan to go to the last miles. Recently, we started our transition plan, where we share the details of our achievements so far, as well as our journey forward. You can find it here.
What types of climate efforts and durability do you hope to see more in the future from global companies?
We need to see bolder ambitions, cooperation and action by the public and private sectors. Recently, the World Economic Forum launched a report showing that the cost of inaction exceeds the cost of proactive investment. Industries can reduce 10-60% of their emissions with PA or additional limited costs. And it is only when we work together that can change the course of climate change.
Wauld what will you say to someone who starts in the climate space and sustainability? Have you received any memorable advice?
I have a lot of heroes in this space. One is of course our founder Ingvar Kamprad, who [paved the way] For us in IKEA with flats, material innovation and always serving people with exquisite wallets. Being the father of three children, I see, mostly, three reasons to be part of the leadership leadership in the climate. To begin, based on today’s facts and consciousness, we just can’t let ourselves pass this [challenge] in the next generation. Second, it is clear that our clients and associates around the world expect us to lead the way. People will deselect brands that not. Reception is not for perfection, but sincere goals and influential actions. Third – here comes the good news – this is great for business.
In general, clever climate means smart cost. Waste has always been expensive and every step of building a sustainable business model directs a positive financial impact. We are the first generation that we can be part of creating a sustainable future that is good for people and the planet. This should inspire us all.
Jesper Brodin will give lectures in the Signature Albanian Series at the Lower Library at Columbia University on Tuesday, March 11. Preliminary registration is required.