Geographically independent excellence: Mathias Sandh and the transformation of Skänninge
With a background from heavy management roles in both Sweden and abroad, Mathias chose to accept the assignment as Interim CFO at Runsvengruppen in Skänninge, which includes ÖoB AB and Runsven AB. ÖoB has about 100 stores and a turnover of about SEK 4 billion, with three sourcing companies in Asia. For him, the location was secondary to the professional added value.
”It's about the footprint you leave and the lessons you take with you, rather than the proximity to home. As an interim consultant, I am driven by the element of facing new challenges - I have commuted within Sweden and to other European countries before, so geography is rarely the barrier”, notes Mathias.
A very successful transformation
The assignment was about much more than covering a parental leave. Mathias stepped in as a combined interim CFO and IT manager with a clear mandate: to lead a total system transformation and change the entire financial platform.
- Operational execution: Strategic negotiations and optimization of indirect purchases such as card terminals - efforts that had a direct impact on the bottom line.
- Digital and financial platform: Responsible project manager for the modernization of the group's ERP system, which included negotiations with both domestic and foreign suppliers.
- Cultural confidence: By quickly navigating the dynamics of the family-owned company, Mathias was able to secure operational momentum. ”The advantage is that I have been in many companies throughout my working life. I grew up in a small town and was able to apply the culture quickly. As an interim consultant, it is often easier to make the uncomfortable decisions quickly,” he explains.
The entrepreneurial dynamic was an exciting challenge
Many growth companies outside big cities underestimate their own attractiveness. Mathias describes the environment at the Runsven Group as a “perfect match” for those looking for fast decision-making and less bureaucracy than in the big multinationals.
”I was curious about the dynamics of a family-owned company. There is a complexity in how you manage the day-to-day business that is really exciting. Being in charge of both finance and IT, and being part of modernizing the group's business systems was what made the assignment really exciting.”
The right skills in the right place
We are proud of our interim consultants who have the ability to mobilize and deliver at the highest level, regardless of geography. They are a mobile resource of specialist knowledge that brings objectivity and execution power where the need is greatest.
Mathias' contribution to the Runsven Group proves that when skills and mandates meet, geographical barriers blur in favor of real business results.
FACTS: The mission in brief
- Interim consultant: Mathias Sandh, Interim CFO & IT Manager.
- Client companies: Runsven Group, Skänninge.
- The core of the mission: Strategic and operational transformation of the group's finance function and IT platform.
- Key deliverables: project manage modernization of business systems including data lake, ERP and BI systems.
- Background: Previous experience in international management and finance roles in Europe and Sweden.
