Johan appointed new CEO of Boden’s municipal corporate group

Boden’s municipally owned companies are responsible for services that affect everyday life in the municipality – housing, energy, infrastructure, and business-related development. Since the turn of the year, the group has been led by Johan Johansson, who recently took over as CEO following Mats Berg.

– It feels great. I’ve received a very positive welcome from everyone I’ve met, he says.

Although new to the position, Johansson is a familiar face within the municipal organisation. He has previously worked in several parts of the group.

Most recently, he comes from Bodenbo, where he focused on housing issues and urban development. He describes his time there as a combination of practical day-to-day work and long-term planning.

– One moment you could be speaking with a tenant about a broken stove, and the next you might be discussing how an entire neighbourhood can develop over time.

He now brings that experience into a broader assignment, with a focus on creating clarity and stability within a group that has grown and changed rapidly in recent years.

– Now it’s about aligning our direction going forward. I believe that will be important, he says.

Municipal companies at the heart of the transition

Boden is undergoing significant change, with new establishments and investments affecting the municipality in several areas. For the municipal companies, this means increased responsibility to ensure that everyday services and community functions continue to operate as development accelerates.

– A lot is happening right now. We need to keep implementing what is underway and make sure we can deliver in line with the needs, says Johan Johansson.

The expertise is already present in many parts of the organisation, but he does not see that as the main area for improvement. Instead, he emphasises the importance of building a shared understanding of how each part contributes to the whole.

– Many people do their jobs extremely well. But it’s also about understanding why your own contribution matters for Boden’s long-term development – and who we are doing it for: the people of Boden.

He sees that kind of shared perspective as essential, both within the municipal companies and in relation to other actors in society.

– It’s not only about us within the municipal group, but also about how we, together with the municipality and the business community, build a strong and attractive place. Cooperation is important, but competition can also drive progress. The key is finding the right balance, he says.

New leadership across the municipal organisation

Johan Johansson takes up his position at the same time as several other key leadership roles within the municipal group have changed.

Yvonne Björnström has recently been appointed new CEO of Bodens Energi, and Erik Öhrling has become the new Managing Director of the Bodenbo Foundation – something Johansson views positively.

– These are important roles in the transformation Boden is going through. Bringing in new energy and ideas is a real strength for us, he says.

Collaboration as a working method

In addition to his time at Bodenbo, Johan Johansson also has an academic background, having worked with entrepreneurship and regional development. From that experience, he brings a perspective on how collaboration can strengthen a place.

– There is real value in building on what already works and finding forms of cooperation that make the organisation stronger.

Looking ahead with confidence

Despite a rapidly changing world, Johan Johansson remains optimistic about Boden’s prospects.

– Boden is far better prepared today than it was five years ago. We have many fundamental strengths in place within our critical infrastructure, which gives us strong opportunities to continue developing. Of course, there are major challenges as well, but I am convinced Boden has a brighter future ahead, he says.