Ekornes AS today announced that Roger Lunde has stepped down as CEO. The Board of Directors has appointed Fredrik Ødegård Nilsen, Ekornes‘ current CFO, as interim CEO and have initiated a process to identify the Company’s next CEO.
“On behalf of the Boardand everyone at Ekornes, I want to thank Roger Lunde for his strong efforts and dedication to Ekornes and all of its stakeholders. Since Roger took over leadership in February 2020, he has led Ekornes through an extraordinary period marked by macroeconomic uncertainties and rapidly shifting market conditions. During this period, Ekornes has achieved profitable growth by consistently delivering on strategic priorities, focusing on innovation, supply chain management and optimization of operations across segments and markets” said Ruihai Zhao, Chair of the Board.
“Under Roger’s leadership, Ekornes has handled the pandemic and market dynamics effectively. Delivering on its long-term strategy, the company today has a solid financial position and is well prepared to adapt to the evolving market conditions”
“I am very proud of our accomplishments at Ekornes over the past years, and how we have made the group develop, improve and grow,” said Roger Lunde.
“I am also proud of the team and how we have successfully steered through turbulent times. Our continuing record results demonstrate the strength of our long-term strategy, and I am confident that Fredrik and the new permanent CEO will be successful in leading Ekornes’ next phase of profitable growth.”
Fredrik Ødegård Nilsen will become interim CEO effective immediately, while Roger Lunde will be available for the company in a period to ensure a sound transition.
For further information, please contact: Fredrik Ødegård Nilsen, CFO and interim CEO:e-mail: fredrik.odegard.nilsen@ekornes.comPhone: +47480 90 096
About Ekornes QM Holding Group
Ekornes QM Holding AS was founded 4 January 2018 with the purpose of acquiring the Ekornes Group. In May 2018, an offer was made to purchase the shares of all Ekornes shareholders. The share purchase was completed in August 2018, and the Group was delisted from the Oslo Stock Exchange in October 2018. The Norwegian ultimate parent company Ekornes QM Holding AS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qumei Home Furnishing Group. Ekornes QM Holding AS owns 100% of the shares in Ekornes AS.
The Ekornes Group is the only operational part of the Ekornes QM Holding Group. Ekornes is the largest furniture producer in Norway and owns the brand names Ekornes®, Stressless®, Svane® and IMG. Stressless® is one of the world’s most well-known furniture brands. Production takes place at the Group’s ten factories, five of which are in Norway, one in the USA, one in Thailand, one in Lithuania and two in Vietnam. Ekornes sells its products over large parts of the world, either through its own sales companies or via importers.
The Ekornes Group is the only operational part of the Ekornes QM Holding Group. Ekornes is the largest furniture producer in Norway and owns the brand names Ekornes®, Stressless®, Svane® and IMG. Stressless® is one of the world’s most well-known furniture brands. Production takes place at the Group’s ten factories, five of which are in Norway, one in the USA, one in Thailand, one in Lithuania and two in Vietnam. Ekornes sells its products over large parts of the world, either through its own sales companies or via importers.