Emma Sandin Hansson
Emma Sandin Hansson, 37, joined the Management Program in 2017 and today holds the position of CEO at Miljöcenter AB.
Tell us about yourself
I am 36 years old and originally from Karlshamn in Blekinge. Today I live just south of Gothenburg with my partner and our two children. I earned my engineering degree in Industrial Engineering and Management at Lund University Faculty of Engineering, and also spent a year abroad on exchange in Buenos Aires. After graduating, I worked for three years as a management consultant at Implement Consulting Group in Malmö and Copenhagen.
What made you apply to the Management Program?
I enjoyed working as a consultant, but I wanted more opportunity to influence and drive change, leadership, and company building. A professional management program felt like a really good next step in my career.
What makes the Management Program unique?
The program provides great insight into many different companies, and you learn a tremendous amount. You are given responsibility quickly, and there are significant opportunities to contribute to developing and building companies while following the entire journey. It’s real, highly rewarding, and a lot of fun.
Tell us more about your time in the program
My first rotation, in the autumn of 2017, was at Besikta Bilprovning in Malmö. After that, I spent six months at Bokhandelsgruppen, and my final rotation was at the head office in Stockholm.
During and after the program, I gained insight into many different operations, industries, and functions, and I had the opportunity to learn from many talented people. I also developed an understanding of the different challenges companies may face—from a deregulated vehicle inspection market to intense competition in the B2C arena with digital products and e-commerce. In addition, I gained a deeper understanding of the ownership perspective as well as management’s view on priorities and strategy.
After the program, what roles did you take on?
The company I was assigned to was Besikta Bilprovning, where I worked as Head of Business Development for just over a year. After that, I worked for a period with business development at Volati (of which Salix Group is part) and as interim CFO at Scanmast. Then, I have been CEO of Väggmaterial AB and today I am CEO for Miljöcenter.
I also serve as a mentor for candidates participating in the annual management program.
What has the program given you?
I’ve had the opportunity to test myself as a leader, experience what it’s like to work as a CFO, and now also as a CEO. It has been an incredible journey—filled with challenges and fantastic opportunities that have helped me grow and develop.
Do you have any advice for future participants in the Management Program?
- Be prepared for change, performance demands, leadership challenges, and geographic relocation if necessary—see it as an opportunity.
- You need to be clear about what you want and what you can contribute—take initiative to make things happen.
- The program is for people who dare to take on challenges and who love building companies. You grow by constantly stepping into roles that feel slightly bigger than you’re ready for. It’s challenging, but incredibly rewarding for your development.
Read more about the program here.
