Aku Vikström has been appointed CEO Orkla Foods Europe

Orkla Foods Europe’s Board of Directors has appointed Aku Vikström (52) as new CEO. He succeeds Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen, who temporarily has held the position since October 2023.

“We have conducted a comprehensive recruitment process and are pleased that Aku Vikström has accepted the position as the new CEO. He has a proven track record of creating value in various CEO positions under different ownership structures. He has deep understanding of the consumer sector and strong leadership skills combined with a strategic mindset,” said Xavier Belison, Chairman of the Board of Orkla Foods Europe.

Mr Vikström is currently CEO of NoHo Partners, listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. NoHo Partners is the largest publicly listed restaurant company in the Nordics, managing a diverse portfolio comprising over 250 restaurants.

Before entering his current position, he was CEO of Royal Ravintolat, the largest privately owned restaurant operator in Finland. Prior to that he has for several years held different positions within the global FMCG company Mars, such as country manager for Mars Petcare in Poland and general manager for Mars in Finland and the Baltics.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in marketing from University of Lincolnshire & Humberside and continuing education at London Business School, Global Business Consortium.

Xavier Belison commented, “Mr. Vikström’s extensive business experience from the FMCG industry and food businesses is highly relevant for developing our strong brand positions and delivering on our strategy to increase value creation. He has in-depth knowledge of the Nordic markets as well as international experience, which is highly relevant as he is now going to lead a company with operations in more than ten countries."

Aku Vikström commented: “I am thrilled to join the Orkla Foods Europe team and be part of a company with such a rich legacy and an impressive collection of household brands that positively impact the everyday lives of millions of people. Furthermore, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the talented people at Orkla and working together to further build upon this heritage of success."

Mr Vikström will take up his position in September at the latest. Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen will at the same time return to his position as EVP & Investment Executive in Orkla ASA.

“I would like to thank Mr. Nagel Johansen for his strong leadership during the interim period. He has excellently initiated the work of implementing the company's new strategy throughout the organization,” said Xavier Belison.

Orkla Foods Europe is the largest wholly-owned portfolio company in Orkla. In 2023, the company had a turnover of NOK 20,3 billion and operating profit EBIT (adj.) of NOK 2,3 billion. At year-end the company had around 5,600 employees in 12 countries.

Orkla Foods Europe offers well-known local branded products to consumers in the Nordics, Baltics and Central Europe. The products are primarily sold through the grocery channel, but the company also holds strong positions in food service, convenience stores and petrol stations. Its many widely known brands include Felix, TORO, Grandiosa, Stabburet, Vitana, Hamé (incl. Majka), Abba, Fun, Beauvais, Paulúns, Den Gamle Fabrik and Kalles.