Monica to become new CEO for Sweden's leading Architectual Practice

Av Peter Nilsson
Publicerad Monday 3 May, 2010.

Monica von Schmalensee is a 53-year-old architect who has worked at White since 1994. Kista Science Tower and the Stockholm arena are among the many projects she has been responsible for. During the last six years Monica has headed up White’s office in Stockholm, with 170 employees.

“With Monica we are acquiring a CEO with an extensive background within the company and also someone who has held a key role in the strategic developmental process we are in right now,” says Magnus Borglund, chair of the board of White arkitekter AB. “I am pleased that Monica has picked up the challenge to lead our continued development as an internationally leading architectural practice with a strong sustainability profile. Simultaneously I would like to express the board’s very great appreciation of Anders Svensson as CEO. For six years he has led us forward to the position of Scandinavia’s largest and leading architectural practice.

Anders Svensson has led the employee-owned White since 2005, with a strong focus on establishing the company on the international arena with sustainability issues as a distinctive competitive factor. For the last few years, the company has had great success in competitions with international competition.

“It feels very good to hand over to Monica, who is an excellent leader. I have decided not to stand for a new period as CEO when my second three-year period terminates at the end of the year. After 22 years at White, six of which as CEO, I want to continue to new personal challenges with a more open agenda,” says Anders Svensson.

Anders Svensson will stay on as CEO until 31 December 2010, when Monica von Schmalensee will take over. Simultaneously Karin Ahlzén will take over the position of head of the Stockholm office. Karin has been at White for 12 years and for the last five of these has led the development of the Uppsala office. She has been a member of the company board for the last six years.
“These changes do not involve any strategic change of course. We are continuing on the chosen path with a strong focus on international competiveness, sustainability and creative eminence,” says board chair, Magnus Borglund.

Monica von Schmalensee is chair of the Sweden Green Building Council, the co-operation organisation to jointly develop environmental and sustainable work within the construction and property businesses.
“This is an important activity that I want to give great priority to,” says Monica. “With our knowledge within sustainability and the environment, Swedish architecture can develop into a future export commodity.”