The Bottom Line The Decisions That Made Me: Jesper Brodin (IKEA)
Nov 20, 2025
Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group and a 30-year IKEA veteran, shares his journey from a young purchase manager in Pakistan to leading transformative changes in sustainability and digital expansion. He reflects on invaluable lessons learned from IKEA's founder, Ingvar Kamprad, and the significance of adapting to customer needs. Jesper also discusses his plans after stepping down, including a unique tradition of buying a new guitar to mark life transitions. His insights blend business strategy with personal growth, making for an inspiring conversation.
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Unexpected Career Launch
- Jesper Brodin applied for an IKEA country manager role in Pakistan at 26 after his wife encouraged him to apply.
- He later learned he got the job because he was the only applicant, which kickstarted his 30-year IKEA career.
Building Supplier Partnerships In Pakistan
- In Karachi Jesper built deep supplier relationships in Pakistan's cotton and textile industry.
- He used those partnerships to improve environmental and social practices while creating a strong business case.
Mistakes As A Core Policy
- Ingvar Kamprad valued experimentation and accepted mistakes as central to IKEA's culture.
- Jesper learned that entrepreneurship and intent matter more than flawless everyday execution.