IMA MEETS THE FUTURE WITH A NEW CEO

Anders Vingeborn is handing over the position as CEO for IMA to Sara Brodin Söderlund to instead focus entirely on the company's expansion in the export market. This is a venture that has emerged and a change that is a natural step in the development IMA has had in recent years.

Anders Vingeborn was almost born into the Gnosjö company IMA, which was founded by Anders' father and his colleague in 1985. Since 2007, Anders has run the company as CEO and in 2010 there was a generational shift where Anders acquired the entire company. Under his leadership, IMA has grown both with the Swedish customers and on the export market and in 2022 passed SEK 100 million in turnover.

- IMA is facing several exciting development processes, among other things we have started developing our sustainability work according to ISO 26000 which we know will lead to many positive effects for our market and in the long run for the planet. We are changing in several areas with, among other things, more employees, increased product development and digitization of various parts of the business. This means that IMA needs a new leadership that can drive all the development we need. Both to grow in a sustainable and in-demand way and so that I can focus on being out in our market and working together with customers and the European kitchen industry. I started at IMA in 2002 and my first role was in sales, so now being able to devote myself wholeheartedly to what I enjoy most, sales and growth feels very right.

Anders wants to add new skills and strengthen the team and will therefore hand over the role of CEO of IMA to Sara Brodin Söderlund. She has a broad experience and competence in communication, marketing, and business management. Sara is originally from Gothenburg with an education in economics and political science and a background as an entrepreneur in the communications industry. 22 years ago, she became a “Smålänning” and got to know the famous Gnosjö spirit from the inside.

- I moved to Gnosjö because I met my husband, who was born and raised here. Before I came here I had no idea how the manufacturing industry worked and it was love at first sight. I started my own business here and had the privilege of working with clients in this region and learned a lot. The expression that "you are never more than a couple of meters from something that is made in Gnosjö" is really true.

Being involved in a large number of companies, management groups and their development over the past 20 years, has made Sara experienced in many areas. From communication and growth work to digitization and strategic sustainability work. IMA has been one of Sara Brodin Söderlund's clients and she knows the company well.

- IMA is a fantastic company and I have seen it develop and grow under Anders' leadership for many years. I have also been part of that work, which makes me feel close, both to the company, the people who work here and to our customers. I look forward to creating new conditions for an exciting future together with the great team we have. Anders and I share a strong feeling for our customer-oriented product development and for our close relations. We also share the vision of how IMA should grow and create even more partnerships around the world, says Sara Brodin Söderlund.

- I am very proud of the journey IMA has made and this step feels like a very natural continuation of the investments we have made in recent years. Above all, it is a strategically important development for IMA to be able to become everything I dream of, says Anders.

Now let´s get started. Welcome Sara!

Sara takes over as CEO of IMA on 1 March.